Local Businesses Raise Funds To Help Fire Department Honor Guard

Special Thanks to Character Traits and Golden Paws for their Support

Some people just like to do more.  They like to go above and beyond what is normally expected and go the extra mile to support their community.  This is the case with the Fire Department's Honor Guard and with the two local businesses that came out to help them.  Last weekend Catherine Standley, owner of Character Traits, a gift shop located in East Stanwood and Trisha Poe of Golden Paws, a dog walking company, organized a fundraiser to help support the efforts of their local firefighters.

The Stanwood Camano Honor Guard was established last year thanks to the dedication and commitment of several local Firefighters.  Their Mission; to Selflessly Serve and Honor Our Country, Community, and the Profession of Firefighting Through Pride and Tradition.  The Honor Guard is a program that goes beyond the Fire Department's normal operations.  Its' members train and serve entirely on their own time giving countless hours to perfect their ceremonies.  As such, their funding is almost entirely based on the fundraising efforts of their members.  "As a newly formed Honor Guard we have many training and equipment needs" said Will King the Honor Guard's Leader.  "Without this kind of support from our community we would not be able to provide this type of community service."

Standley, whose shop carries many toys and gifts for children, wanted to focus on getting local kids involved.  Character Traits provided great prizes for children including a firefighter outfit and a giant stuffed Dalmatian.  "Not only did I want to support a great cause, but I wanted the kids to have fun as well" Standley said.  "We appreciate what our local firefighters do on a daily basis and thought this would be a great way to thank them" she added.

Money raised by Character Traits and Golden Paws will be used by Honor Guard members to attend upcoming training and additional equipment needs.  "We want to extend our sincerest appreciation to Catherine and Trisha for their help" said Assistant Chief Levon Yengoyan.  "This is the type of partnership that makes it so rewarding to work in a community such as ours" he concluded.

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For more information about Camano Island Fire and Rescue, or to schedule a meeting with Fire Chief Mike Ganz, please call the Administration office at 360-387-1512.