North Branch, NJ — 18th December — As part of a holiday community outreach initiative, members of the North Branch Volunteer Fire Company visited The Midland School, which supports kids with special needs. Throughout the morning, firefighters moved from classroom to classroom, interacted with kids, distributed plastic fire helmets, took pictures, and exchanged holiday pleasantries. The visit's main goals were to become acquainted with first responders and offer a satisfying experience in a classroom environment.

In keeping with an expanding history of involvement outside of emergency responses, this was the department's second yearly visit to Midland School. Members of the department stressed that outreach initiatives like these support volunteer fire companies' larger goals and foster stronger links with the community. Students and staff responded favorably to the visit, which ended without any problems.