In the month of October, Chelsea Fire and Rescue joined the efforts of other Fire Departments across Alabama to support a good cause, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.

Our staff wore pink T-shirts as our uniform for the month. We also sold these T-shirts to anyone who wanted one as the fund raising element of the project. Several area businesses and our school staff helped sell these T-shirts. The Mayor and City Council proclaimed Oct. 7. as “Turn Chelsea Pink Day.”

At the home football game on Oct. 7, our school did a fantastic job turning Chelsea pink.

We were able to acknowledge several survivors in a pre-game ceremony for their courage, faith and the example they set for the rest of us every day. Coach Wade Waldrop worked hard to paint several components of the field pink, including the traditional blue jacket that our Hornet wears.

Since this was our first year to fully participate, we didn’t know what to expect. We took a risk and ordered 1,000 pink T-shirts.

We ended up having to order another 250. As of today, we have less than 50 T-shirts left. They are still available until they’re gone.

On Nov. 15, at our regular City Council meeting, we presented the funds raised to Board Members of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Because of the work of many individuals, and the support of our community, we presented a check in the amount of $15,469.

Please remember that all of the money raised went to this research. None stayed for any cost incurred in Chelsea.

The staff at Chelsea Fire and Rescue are true community servants and their support was the backbone of this project. Thanks to Mayor Niven and the City Council for their support.

There were many people who volunteered their time for this cause and I could never name them all, but their work really made this a successful first year. I do want to mention by name, Kathy Shirley and Liz King. These two ladies coordinated the community involvement.

I hear comments frequently about Chelsea being such a fantastic “family” community. The support shown for this project just re-affirms that sentiment. We should be proud.

Wayne Shirley is the Fire Chief for Chelsea Fire AND Rescue.