Carlsbad's business community paid tribute to the men and women of the city's fire and police departments who battled the Poinsettia fire, which hit Carlsbad on May 14.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce presented pocket knives to be distributed to all Carlsbad firefighters and law enforcement personnel who assisted in the firefighting effort.
We wanted to recognize our first responders in an appropriate and meaningful way. Instead of providing them with a banquet or a certificate of appreciation, we decided to go with these knives. They are equipment that they can use every day.
Fire Chief Mike Davis said the knives fit in the pockets of the firefighters' gear and can be opened with one hand.
"We ask our firefighters to carry knives in their turnouts, which helps when we're tangled in things such as communication lines that fall from the ceiling and all the other things that fall when you're in a structure fire," Davis said. "These are the right size."
Davis said the knives firefighters currently use have plastic handles that break. The ones the Chamber provided are made of metal, which make them more durable.
"This is a great keepsake," Davis said. "There is a big tradition among firefighters to pass on the tools that you use. These will be able to last."
The knives were secured through sponsorships from some long-time chamber members including Grand Pacific Resorts, Tip Top Meats & European Delicatessen and Westfield Carlsbad. SD Trophy engraved each knife with a message of appreciation.
It's a small token of thanks for what the firefighters did for us and our community.
We are happy to recognize their extraordinary efforts.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce presented pocket knives to be distributed to all Carlsbad firefighters and law enforcement personnel who assisted in the firefighting effort.
We wanted to recognize our first responders in an appropriate and meaningful way. Instead of providing them with a banquet or a certificate of appreciation, we decided to go with these knives. They are equipment that they can use every day.
Fire Chief Mike Davis said the knives fit in the pockets of the firefighters' gear and can be opened with one hand.
"We ask our firefighters to carry knives in their turnouts, which helps when we're tangled in things such as communication lines that fall from the ceiling and all the other things that fall when you're in a structure fire," Davis said. "These are the right size."
Davis said the knives firefighters currently use have plastic handles that break. The ones the Chamber provided are made of metal, which make them more durable.
"This is a great keepsake," Davis said. "There is a big tradition among firefighters to pass on the tools that you use. These will be able to last."
The knives were secured through sponsorships from some long-time chamber members including Grand Pacific Resorts, Tip Top Meats & European Delicatessen and Westfield Carlsbad. SD Trophy engraved each knife with a message of appreciation.
It's a small token of thanks for what the firefighters did for us and our community.
We are happy to recognize their extraordinary efforts.