I think one of the most important things a parent can do is make a memory for their children. In our case, my family and I would go to York, Maine, in the middle of winter to play on the beach and explore the rocks for treasures. The air was just warm enough at the coast to provide a fun outdoor day. Our girls talk about those trips often. The event does not need to be a trip to Disney World to be a pleasant family memory.

I am hoping that in a small way, we are making a pleasant memory when you bring your family to the East Andover Fire Station to pick out a Christmas tree. We very much look forward to the smell of pine and watching young folks run around looking at every tree.

We will be selling Christmas trees this year on Saturday, December 6. We will be at the East Andover Fire Station from 8 AM until we are sold out.

We will deliver your tree to your home at no cost. Delivering trees to homes is a large part of my memory. The kids have huge smiles, and you can feel their excitement in the air. That task never gets old.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for candles. As most of you know, I think of candles burning as an uncontrolled flame wanting to get bigger. Fire and candles are wonderful things; however, they must be controlled.

Candle holders with a chimney are best. Candles with or without chimneys must be located away from readily combustible materials like paper decorations. Use heavy, stable candle holders. A good approach is to have lit candles only in occupied rooms.

I am not a hum-bug about candles. The flame is relaxing and brings a little life to a fine dinner table. Just treat the flame with a little care, and your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner will be free of unexpected guests, like your fire department.

From Our Family to Yours

The primary job of every fire chief is to be sure that his team is trained, well-motivated, and properly equipped to do our dangerous work. No chief is able to do this alone; he has a complement of skilled officers he can rely upon to help him meet his goals. The real work is accomplished by a team of firemen who have sharpened the skills they have learned to a fine point.

As your chief, I am very proud of the team we have built and the accomplishments we have achieved, especially in the last two years. There is little doubt that this crew is part of my family.

My family has a unique job: We train to keep your family safe and provide help and support in times of crisis. We feel a special bond to our community and gain strength from the support that you provide. We are very grateful for your trust; we do not take that for granted.

Take a little time and think about our community. We are a small oasis in a sometimes crazy world. We are all a bit of family here, not perfect, but not bad either.

From your fire department, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season.