Optimism. Pass it on.

Spreading joy and love to Vancouver Fire Department

The entire third grade of Hough Elementary, two classes totaling 44 kids, along with members of The Joy Team, delivered hand-made Valentines, candy and heart-shaped balloons to Firefighters and staff at the Vancouver Fire Department Headquarters on February 13, 2015. The kids were greeted by Chief Dan Olson, got to tour Station 5 and practiced "stop, drop and roll" with the responders after showering the firefighters and staff with love and appreciation for all they do for the community. Every person working for the Vancouver Fire Department got The Joy Team's signature Happy Packet; which includes a Valentine drawn by a Hough student, a chocolate kiss, a jolly rancher and a Joy Team card. The Vancouver Fire Department serves a population of almost 250,000 from ten stations covering 90 square miles. A total of 12 frontline fire crews run over 20,000 calls per year. They do more than fight fires: their state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program also provides paramedic first response to citizens in their service area. We wanted to say thank you. The Joy Team has been partnering with Hough Elementary for three years to show appreciation for organizations in the community that make the lives of those around them easier or better for the work they do.