Page 129 - History of the Colton Fire Department

Top: Colton’s Wild West Days in 2004.
Every year Colton displays it’s history dat-
ing back to the Earp family that helped gov-
ern and protect the city.

Middle Left: 2001, As Engine 6 (Little Red
Baby) left station 1 on it’s way across town
to Walmart to give away a shopping spree
to fir Colton School kids. Driver - Dennis
Bickers,

Middle Right: 2004, Firefighters stand be-
hind some of the kids that recieved a Wal-
mart shopping spree for Christmas.
Each child gets to spend $100 and a fire-
fighter helps load up the cart.

Bottom; Chief Tim McHargue always keeps
it fun.

Starting in 2000, Colton and it’s local Walmart would
partner up to raise money and make Christmas a little bright-
er for some. The program was called “Make A Child Smile”.
A different school within the city of Colton would be picked
and the school itself would choose 30 to 50 kids that needed a
brighter Christmas. There has been buses and limousines that
help form a parade on it’s way to Walmart with anticipations
building with each smile. Once the parade arrives, the children
each have a firefighter to escort them around the isles. There
are so many great stories that come from the children. They
are always interested in buying for their family first and maybe
some school clothes. It’s a very humbling experience that brings
the Christmas spirit to light. After everyone is checked out, the
busses are loaded like a huge sleigh and then they dash off to a
local restaurant for lunch.
129