Madison (NE) Rural Fire District, dryside tanker. Freightliner M2 cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 350-hp engine.

When volunteer firefighters at Grays Harbor Fire District No.1 put a biblical message on their sign, someone complained.

The fire commissioner ordered the sign to come down and their Christmas tree turned off. 

"This is just sort of asinine," said Oakville resident Richard Hawkins. Hawkins is not alone in his frustration. When the fire station posted the story on Facebook, hundreds of people responded. "They're all around the world, Australia, Sweden," said firefighter Shawn Burdett. He adds, "Merry Christmas is not a bad word." 

The decision to put up the Christian message was made by five officers at the fire station.  While the sign and tree are on public property, they were paid for with private donations. "No tax dollars, zero," said Burdett. 

Residents are frustrated that the voice of one, speaks louder than the voices of many. 

"I couldn't believe that one person could deny everybody Christmas," said resident Tim Newby.  Shirley George said, "The reason for Christmas is Jesus Christ, my gosh."

On Monday night, about 200 residents met with commissioners.

"I would venture to say they would not get re-elected and I would actually venture to say they would struggle to get a vote," said firefighter Burdett.

For more information, view www.kirotv.com

For the past 36 years, the Indianapolis Fire Department has occupied a converted building near the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and New Jersey Street. Now, a push for redevelopment of the area has forced IFD to move their headquarters and Fire Station 7 to a new facility a few blocks north.

The new IFD building off Fort Wayne Avenue was built as part of the Mass Ave. redevelopment. The $7 million building was financed using tax incrementing financing (TIF) funds.

Station 7 Captain Ron Kautsky said the new station’s more open layout will help improve response times. Firefighters moved into the new facility on Nov. 23.

For more information, view www.wfyi.org

A ceremony will be held Tuesday to celebrate the town's new ladder truck being put into service.

The ceremony, scheduled for noon at the Seekonk Public Safety Complex at 500 Taunton Ave., will include a blessing of the truck and the retirement of the old ladder truck.

"Fire Chief Michael Healy and his staff expended a great deal of effort to select and acquire the new ladder truck. They received great support from the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Shawn Cadime, and, most importantly, the citizens of Seekonk," Police Chief Craig Mace said.

The public is invited to attend the event to view the new truck and show support for the fire department.

For more information, view thesunchronicle.com