The Colton Fire Rural Protection District this week recognized the generosity of a local business that had offered them a hand when the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic were first taking hold last year.
In March 2020, Colton Fire had been put in contact with the new Tractor Supply Co. in Molalla — which had faced its own challenges and delays in opening for business, unrelated to Covid-19.
At a time when personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves were almost impossible to find — even for front-line health care workers and first responders — the Tractor Supply Store had inventory and in-house supplies that they graciously agreed to donate to Colton Fire.
Store manager Justine Walker and assistant manager Endora Mitchell have continued to support the efforts of local first responders throughout the pandemic, the fire district said in a Twitter post this weekend.
This morning we presented them with a Community Service Recognition Award for their ourstanding support of our department. We were suprised that when we delivered the plaque Justine and Endora rolled out a cart with supplies, a chain saw, snacks and a $2000 gift card. pic.twitter.com/hhuRcsHBCB
— Colton Fire (@Coltonfire70) January 31, 2021
Sunday morning, firefighters visited the store to present them with a Community Service Recognition Award spotlighting their outstanding support of Colton Fire and the communities it serves.
True to form, Walker, Mitchell and the Tractor Supply Co. had their own surprise in store. They greeted firefighters by rolling out a flat loaded with supplies, snacks, a chainsaw and a $2,000 gift card.
Colton Fire is not done, either. Lt. Chris Cohoon tells The Canby Current they will have a few more Community Service awards to hand out in the days to come.