WEARS VALLEY, Tenn. — Firefighters can be the first people to charge into danger, pulling people to safety. The Wears Valley community wanted to honor their own firefighters Wednesday night.
So, they organized an appreciation dinner event that doubled as an opportunity to raise money for the Wears Valley Volunteer Fire Department. While the event was free to attend, people were encouraged to donate and support their local firefighters.
Bullfish Grill provided food and several Wears Valley area churches brought desserts. There was also music and entertainment, filling Wearwood School with fun.
"I think it's a great thing that the community understands how the fire service works, and what all they do for the communities in which they serve," said David Puckett, a Sevier County Fire administrator.
Firefighters also shared stories of their experiences serving, and some of the crews said they were happy to have a chance to connect with their community.
The dinner was also a welcome gesture after firefighters spent days containing and extinguishing a wildfire that burned for nearly 3,000 acres in Hatcher Mountain.