Pictured, Holly Ashley (center left), development director with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and Fire Chief Randy Parker (center right) present the winning plaque to the firefighters assigned to Station 19 in Hixson. The firefighters are (from left to right) Senior Firefighter Scott Sheets, Lt. Shawn Reece, Senior Firefighter Ian Moon, Captain Scott Pell, Captain Kelly Simmons and Senior Firefighter Jason Greer.
Fire Chief Randy Parker and a representative with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank presented a plaque Friday to the fire station that collected the most food during the 6th annual “Fight Hunger” firefighter food drive last month. The food drive is a friendly competition between all 19 fire halls operated by the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Station 19 in Hixson won first place, bringing in 1,496 pounds of food. In addition to a plaque and bragging rights, the firefighters at Station 19 will all receive a free meal from Firehouse Subs. Overall, Chattanooga firefighters collected 5,741 pounds of food, and $1,535 in cash donations. That's significantly better than last year’s totals.
In addition to annual supporters, such as Abba’s House in Hixson, the food drive was boosted this year by new participants, such as the Development Resource Center, Miller Industries, Valleybrook Presbyterian Church and all Hamilton County EMS stations. “We truly appreciate all the support we get from the community for this food drive,” said Chief Parker. “The Food Bank provides crucial support for thousands of families throughout the region. We’re just glad we can help where we can.”
The firefighter food drive helps bridge the gap between the Food Bank’s biggest drives. If you would like to help, visit the Food Bank’s website at http://www.chattfoodbank.org/.