DFR Station #57, Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands itself hosts two stations: # 48 at 10480 E. Norhtwest Highway and # 57 at 10801 Audelia Rd.
After reading our previous report, one would think that with all the cool tools DFR has at their fingertips, these guys and gals would surely have all the basic necessities they need.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
City budget cuts leave no room for the 56 fire stations in Dallas, some of them 40 years old, to receive funds for the necessary day-to-day repairs of plumbing, air conditioning, leaky roofs, and more.
Enter Leanne Siri, a highly motivated DFR citizen employee who, after receiving approval from the City Council in the spring of 2008, helped launch the Adopt-A-Station program, designed to assist the City in its efforts to maintain, refurbish and renovate fire stations.
"I was appalled by the living conditions found at many of our stations," says Siri. "These people are charged with the public's safety, and they deserve to have the best of the best."
Leanne says the intent of this program has several layers to it. First and foremost, it serves to increase quality of life for our DFR teams. This is best accomplished on a micro-level.
As Leanne puts it, "We know the neighborhood and the neighborhood knows us, so it's a natural interface to be more involved with our civil servants on a community level."
The next step is marketing. The Adopt-a-Station program targets businesses, corporate entities and neighborhood associations by offering the opportunity for these groups to give back.
Leanne feels it's the right approach. "We're here to make it easy for businesses to do good."
But, this doesn't mean individuals aren't welcome to participate in the program as well.
Churches have pitched in to do landscaping, architects have drafted software programs, and individual neighbors have written checks.
Every little bit helps when you look at the DFR wish lists.
For Station #57 here in Lake Highlands, that list includes basics like new bedding to promote a good nights sleep, new cookware and appliances to replace circa 1950's stock, and maybe a comfortable chair or two to ease sore backs after a hard day's work.
"Our City Councilman, Jerry Allen, is the best around," says Lt. Campbell with the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department. "He's very involved and visits our station regularly."
"But, due to the budget considerations plaguing our city," continues Campbell, "we are often forced to make the decision to bring our own supplies from home."
Groups looking for service hours, such as Scouts or high school students, or churches and neighborhood associations, would be welcome at the station, and probably get a cool tour, too.
Sponsorship of a DFR Station comes with certain perks, including group logos on a sign at the adopted station, a link on the Dalls Fire and Rescue website, and promotion in DFR newsletters.
To arrange a presentation for your group, contact Ms. Siri at 214-671-8982 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For more information on the Adopt-a-Station program, visit http://www.dallasfirerescue.com/adopt/adopt.htm.
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