The Fayette

County Department of Fire and Emergency Services enjoyed its annual Thanksgiving

Dinner just a little differently this year.

Thanks to the

efforts of the Fayette County Homeschoolers Association, FCDFES personnel

didn't have to cook their own meal this year. Usually the department has

a "bring a covered dish" meal and volunteers pitch in to clean

up. This year, not only did the homeschoolers provide the meal, they decorated,

served, cleaned up and furnished numerous door prizes for the fire and

emergency workers and their families.

The food and

fellowship was non-stop as those on duty stopped in for a bite before

going back on duty. An unknowing visitor stopping in might have assumed

he or she had stepped into a large family reunion, the closeness and friendliness

of the group was so strongly evident.

The homeschool

children didn't do all of the cooking. They reached out to community businesses

for a little help. City Cafe, Blanchard's Bakery, Mrs. Winner's, Cookies-to-You,

Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kroger, The Grand Buffet, Formosa Chinese Cafe,

International Friends Cafe, Piccadilly and Publix all pitched in with

donations. Attendees from the department won a number of prizes from stores

including Friedman's Jewelers, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Fayette Collectibles,

Rene Victor Bidez, Rhodes, The Trading Post, Valet's Choice Cleaners,

Hair Kutters, Merlin Muffler and Brakes, State Farm Insurance, New Hope

South, Crumpton's, Southern Crescent Mortgage and Smith & Davis Clothing.

The department

gave out annual employee awards as the attendees worked on their desserts.

Firefighter/EMT Richard Rumbaugh received two awards, the Award of Valor

and the EMT of the Year.

While on vacation

in Florida, Rumbaugh was leaving for dinner one evening when he heard

cries for help. A father and daughter were caught in the undertow and

were in distress. Without hesitating, Rumbaugh swam out to help. He and

another rescuer were able to bring the family