Lacey Township honors volunteer firefighters, police after massive wildfire; local cheer team donates to departments

The Lacey Township Committee and residents publicly thanked volunteer firefighters and police for their response to a recent wildfire during the committee's May 7 caucus meeting.

Marylyn Halliday, owner of Pride Elite Competitive Cheer, told the committee she and families from the gym signed thank-you signs and brought a monetary donation for local responders. "We were especially grateful because the night of the fire, it came so close to our building, and we really thought we were going to lose it," Halliday said, adding that athletes and families prepared the signs and donation because of what responders did that night.

Mayor Kuratala and other committee members repeatedly praised the work of volunteer firefighters and police. Kuratala said the incident was "an absolute master class in preparation, execution and excellence," noting that, by her account, about 15,300 to 15,500 acres burned and that "not 1 single family home was lost." Committeeman Nick McDonald called the community's donations and volunteers an example of citizenship.

Deputy Mayor Kenneth and other officials urged residents to support volunteer fire companies financially. Kenneth said the fire companies operate as volunteer organizations and described donations and local fund drives as among the most helpful support the departments can receive.

The committee took no formal policy action at the meeting related to the wildfire; the agenda item was a public recognition and presentation of donations. Officials said they continue planning after-action reviews to identify improvements to communication and response for future emergencies.

The presentations and public remarks emphasized continuing community support for volunteer departments through donations and participation in local fund drives and noted the ongoing operational demands on volunteer organizations.