By JARREL WADE World Staff Writer
Published: 12/16/2009
Tulsa firefighters and police officers braved the cold Tuesday as they volunteered their time to be bell ringers for The Salvation Army at Woodland Hills Mall.
The public safety workers raised $1,935.75 in two four-hour shifts between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The event was billed as a competition between the groups, with the firefighters looking for revenge after losing last year, said Bill French, a public information officer for the Fire Department.
But the Police Department didn't muster a full crew, so the teams were unequally matched, French said. Firefighters were stationed at red kettles at six entrances at the mall, while police officers rang bells at only two kettles.
"I don't think it was much of a competition," French said, "especially when one of the first people to show up was a young girl that gave (the firefighters) a $100 bill."
Firefighters collected $1,266.30, and police officers collected $669.45.
Assistant Fire Marshal Doug Lewis, who took the second shift Tuesday, said the worst part of the volunteer job was the repetitive sound of the bell.
Lewis found several different ways to ring the bell to break its monotonous sound, but helping The Salvation Army was well-worth it, he said.
Funds raised through The Salvation Army's annual kettle campaign help provide Christmas dinner, clothing, toys and basic necessities for families in need.
Jarrel Wade 581-8367
jarrel.wade@tulsaworld.com
Copyright 2009 Tulsa World. Format differs from original publication.
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