JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The West Valley Volunteer Fire Department (WVVFFD) in Whitwell recently hosted its third annual Breakfast with Santa event.
To jump start the Christmas season, WVVFD’s fire hall was opened to families from all around to spend the morning hours enjoying breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 6. Will Adams, WVVFD’s Fire Chief and Whitwell City Commissioner, explained the event has grown substantially in visitations compared to last year’s event, going from over 140 children during the previous event in total to having over 100 children in just the opening hours.
“We’re already over 100 already, and we just got it kicked-off,” said Adams during the event.
Adams explained not only this year’s Breakfast with Santa features public pictures showcasing a Christmas themed backdrop, but the event also allowed guests to see the newly renovated changes and upgrades made to the fire hall. Upgrades included changes to the interior color scheme, and adding epoxy flooring within the lobby area. The fire department aims to continue work on upgrading the facility, ranging from bathroom touch-ups to a new 65-inch TV for the firemen to use during training lessons.
During the event, a set of coloring books, workbooks, and pamphlets dedicated to fire safety were provided for families to keep, all of which made by major pulp and paper company Georgia-Pacific. Adams noted that the fire department is aiming to host several programs dedicated to fire education and safety throughout the winter season, including regards to Tennessee’s “Close the Door” campaign, the state’s ongoing initiative of raising awareness about the safety of closing doors during fires.
“This winter we’re working on having some programs for the kids. And we’re going to have American Red Cross come in here and teach them, as well as have the Close the Door program,” explained Adams.
This year’s Breakfast with Santa serves as the fire department’s concluding public event for 2025, capping off what Adams himself described as a well-rounded year for WVVFD.
“We had a great year this year and we got a lot accomplished,” said Adams.