A few weeks ago, LH Today launched a series aimed at covering the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department.

Our latest installment focuses on Lake Highlands' second DFR station #48, not all too noticeable just off East Northwest Highway and Lullwater Drive.

Fortunately, Station #48 did catch the attention of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association.

Now thanks to the Adopt-A-Station program, it is no longer an orphan child.

Back in November of 2008, the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association hosted a meeting and invited the guys and gals from #48.

The firefighters brought their big red truck and visited with their neighbors during the association's meeting.

As luck would have it, Highland Meadows resident Joyce Ferguson, who has lived in the neighborhood 44 years, remembered hearing about the Adopt-A-Station program recently initiated only a few months earlier.

Says Ms. Ferguson, "Neighborhood Associations are always looking for opportunities to provide for the greater good."

"When we invited Station #48 to our November meeting, the timing was great because the program was only a few months old."

"I think we may have been one of the first neighborhood associations to adopt a station," continues Ferguson.

"We have 1,390 homes in our neighborhood, and so many of our residents have contributed to the program, anywhere from $5 to $100."

"We've really enjoyed participating in and learning about what our Dallas Fire and Rescue team members do for our community," she says.

Ms. Ferguson and the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association certainly know about providing for the greater good. The group, originally known as Crime Watch 1078, is over 20 years old.

Since officially adopting Station #48, Highland Meadows members have helped raised about $3,000 for the cause.

This is money the firefighters have used wisely to supplement what the City of Dallas can't cover.

Purchases have included a new microwave, a new PC accessible to all firefighters, and a new gas grill for cooking.

These items may seem like basics, but they're really luxuries for the dozen firefighters who alternate living at the station in four-man shifts, 24 hours at a time.

Many necessities are covered out of their own pockets, such as sheets, cooking utensils, laptops, exercise equipment, even snacks during down time - items taken for granted when at home, but coveted while on duty at the station.

Additionally, Ms. Ferguson was able to get Lowe's on board with the project. The home improvement company is donating much needed partitions for Station #48's sleeping quarters.

According to DFR Driver and Engineer John Nimmo, these partitions will make a big difference.

"We have barrack style sleeping quarters, which means we all sleep in the same room," he explains.

"Since we have both male and female personnel at our station, the partitions will offer a little more privacy for everyone."

Another neighborhood business in the wings is Moonshadow Window Tinting on Plano Road.

They're looking forward to tinting the windows in the station's kitchen, so the hot Texas sun doesn't heat things up so much.

The irony of a hot fire station is not lost on these firefighters, as Mr. Nimmo best sums it up. "I don't know of anyone who would have anything bad to say about the Adopt-A-Station program."

"We are certainly grateful to the Highland Meadows folks for taking us under their wing and helping make such a difference."

While Lake Highlands DFR Station #48 is adopted, our firefighter friends over at Lake Highlands #57 are still waiting for a sponsor.

For information on the program visit http://www.dallasfirerescue.com/adopt/adopt.htm.

The hard-working men and women of Dallas Fire and Rescue would love to hear from you!