FIRE STATION PARTY RECAP
Epic is the only way to describe this year’s birthday party for Fire Station #18. It was a biggie: the centennial celebration for the station that was built in 1923 at the corner of Camp Bowie Blvd. and Carleton Ave.
Fire Station #18 first opened its doors in October 1923 and has managed to keep them continually open for 100 years.
Starting in 2013, Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association (AHNA) began hosting, in conjunction with Crestline Area Neighborhood Association (CANA), an annual birthday party for the station. Every year has been bigger and better, culminating in the legendary blowout party on Sunday October 22, 2023.
The honors of axing the centenntial cake from Bluebonnet Bakery went to District 7 City Councilwoman Macy Hill, with the Texas Girls Choir and their assistant director Holly Owen (left) leading the vocals for a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
This year’s celebration actually started on October 17 when the Fort Worth City Council recognized the importance of the occasion by presenting a Centennial Proclamation to Fire Station #18, the oldest operating fire station in Fort Worth. The birthday event was held on the hallowed grounds of the fire station a few days later. The weather could not have been better–it was a gloriously sunny day, not too hot, not too chilly. Elected dignitaries were in attendance, including Texas State Representative Charlie Geren (who lives in and represents Arlington Heights), City Councilwoman Macy Hill (who represents Arlington Heights), and District 3 City Councilman Michael Crain.
The Squad 2 firetruck is one of the most tricked out in the Fort Worth fleet. In addition to fighting fires, it’s responsible for hazmat response, as well as high and low angle rescues.
(Left to right) Charlotte Ward, treasurer of CANA, with her husband Dennis Ward; Brenda Helmer, secretary of Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association (AHNA), and Lori Murray-Bosken, president of AHNA. Brenda is the super star of the annual fire station party–she has singlehandedly organized the epic birthday event for the last eight years.
Laura Jenkins, retired firefighter from Station #18, came with her husband Bob Jenkins, also a retired Fort Worth firefighter, who took the stage to perform his original songs at the party.
As in years past, there was free food and drinks from nearby restaurants and suppliers, with lots of things to make it a dog and family-friendly event.
Chef Miguel from Winslow’s Wine Café served up delicious hamburgers, ribs, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and beans.
One of our favorite longtime neighbors is Joe Berry, owner of Winslow’s.
So many things for kids to do at the party, besides enjoying free Olivella’s pizza, yummy sides from Railhead Smokehouse, and cups of Curly’s custard.
Vocalist Yvonne J. with the fantastic Maxwell Hall Jazz band provided era-perfect accompaniment for Station #18’s 100th birthday celebration. The live music lineup included singer/songwriter Bob Jenkins who is a retired Fort Worth firefighter, followed by the renowned Texas Girls Choir.
City Councilwoman Macy Hill with Craig Trojacek, Fort Worth Fire Department’s Public Information Officer.
It was an amazing and unforgettable day, especially for Mateo Tidwell.
Many thanks to everyone who helped to make this special day happen:
Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis
Fort Worth Fire Station #18 – ALL OF THEM
Fort Worth Councilwoman Macy Hill for her support and Centennial Proclamation
Community Risk Reduction for Fort Worth Fire Department – Gabriela Yanes
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Fort Worth Police Officer Matt Thomson
Entertainment
Maxwell Hall Jazz Ensemble
Texas Girls Choir
Singer/songwriter Bob Jenkins
Food and libations
Ben E. Keith – Lance Johson
Bluebonnet Bakery – Michael Hart
Curly’s Custard – Bourke Harvey
Frost Bank – Becky Fulbright
Nothing Bundt Cakes- Karen McCaskill
Olivella’s Pizza, – Charlie Green
Railhead Smokehouse – Charlie Geren
Winslow’s Wine Café – Joe Berry
LABOR AND LOVE
Texas Girls Choir – Tonya Kennedy-Scarbrough & Holly Owen
Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association Executive Board, family and friends
Crestline Area Neighborhood Association – Treasurer Charlotte Ward
Monticello Neighborhood Association – Vice President Bernie Malone (trombonist extraordinaire)
West Byers Neighborhood Association – President Maureen Corns
Special thanks to
Judy Rosenblum
for allowing us to stage a section of the party on her Rivercrest Station property
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