COLUMBUS, Ind. — Once a holiday tradition is established, most find it hard to give it up.
That is especially true of the local firefighters and their family members who have worked hard annually for the last 90 years to administer and improve the Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund.
While Cheer Fund co-chairman Ben Noblitt wasn’t expecting doughnuts, orange juice, hot chocolate and coffee, somebody brought the tasty goodies anyway during Saturday’s annual Cheer Fund distribution. After all, they have long been part of the Cheer Fund tradition.
Santa Claus was not expected to make an appearance this year due to COVID-19. But as firefighters and their families arrived shortly after 7 a.m., there was the Jolly Old Elf himself (looking remarkably like Santa’s helper Ralph Childers) getting his photo taken with firefighter families. Santa is also a cherished Cheer Fund tradition.
“I would be very disappointed not being part of this event, because kids look forward to seeing me,” he said. And since Saturday morning’s rain was little more than a mist, St. Nick was able to make a limited number of deliveries on a fire truck.
“This (permanent home) is just what we needed,” said Kathy Dwyer, wife of veteran firefighter David Dwyer. “The Cheer Fund is a piece of history and tradition that will hopefully carry on forever.”
For more on this story, and more photos, see Sunday’s Republic.
