Firefighters hope to ‘Keep the Wreath Green’ during holiday season

By Brandi Makuski

Local fire departments kicked off their “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign on Wednesday.

Fire stations across Portage Co. will display a wreath with green bulbs through the end of December. For each structure fire that occurs in the county, all departments will replace one green bulb with a red one.

“We’re all one county, so we all recognize each fire because we respond to assist with each other’s calls,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Ben Schultz.

According to SPFD Lt. Tracy Aldrich, a single white bulb is included on the wreath in remembrance of all fallen firefighters. The department also includes a blue bulb in memory of fallen police officers.

The wreath is a tool used to spread awareness of the increased fire danger during the holiday season, according to Plover Fire Chief Mark Deaver.

“Let’s keep it green all season,” he said.