In a gesture of appreciation to local fire departments for protecting the Tufts community, students and firefighters lunched together in Carmichael Dining Hall on Wednesday at a chili meal entitled "We're Smokin'."
Carmichael staff members invited students to "please join us in honoring [firefighters'] efforts to keep us all safe and especially to thank them for being there when needed."
The lunchtime crowd selected from a variety of chilis and chili-related foods and students had the option of chatting or dining with local firefighters present in Carmichael.
"The fire marshal burger is great," freshman Corey Martin said.
Aside from the food, students said they enjoyed being able to show appreciation to the firefighters.
"It's a nice way to pay respect to the firemen and also get some new food in Carmichael," freshman Cory Lewis said.
The firefighters in attendance also seemed pleased with the event. "It's nice to be recognized for what we do. We really appreciate it." firefighter Bob Turner said.
"I wish some of the cafeteria staff could be hired at the station," he added.
Firefighters and Carmichael staff both said events like Wednesday's can help bond local and Tufts communities.
Carmichael Unit Manager David Kelley, who has worked at Tufts for 23 years, said, "Tufts always has done a little something but since Sept. 11, we have tried to upscale it to show a little more appreciation."
"It's a great event, a great way for Tufts to appreciate firefighters who respond to the campus," Assistant Fire Marshall Joseph Rolli said. Rolli works two days a week at Tufts and performs safety inspections in dorm rooms.
Kelley said that this event is a small, inexpensive way to show them that the Tufts community appreciates their hard work. "They don't get enough credit," he said. "It's a nice gesture."
"We enjoy it. The kids enjoy it," Kelley said. "It's a little different than every day."
One visiting firefighter, Tufts alumna Janelle Jordan (LA '99), is a deputy chief with the fire department. "I've never quite experienced anything quite like this here at Tufts. It's nice to be welcomed back and appreciated by a community of which I still feel a part," she said.
"It's terrific. It's a great community relationship," firefighter Mike Greer said.
