Brighten Your Day

Local Fire Department Goes Above and Beyond, Helps Family Install Tree Swing

June 13, 2023

In a heartwarming display of community service, the Verdigris Fire Department went above and beyond their call of duty to assist a local family in installing a tree swing in their backyard.

Credit: Meaghan Brown-Perceful / Facebook

Meaghan Perceful and her family moved to Verdigris, Oklahoma, from Tulsa several months ago. Her daughter, Magnolia, had been talking about wanting to put her swing put up in a tree, but the family didn't have a ladder big enough for any of the trees in their new yard.

"I posted in the local Verdigris Community Page, asking for help with someone with a bucket truck or a large ladder to help get our swing up in the ONE branch that we could put the swing up," Perceful said.

"Someone recommended the Verdigris Fire District, and to my surprise...they messaged me, and offered their assistance—free of charge. Just a local fire department and four wonderful fire fighters, making two little girls day!"

Credit: Meaghan Brown-Perceful / Facebook

The Verdigris Fire Department wasted no time in mobilizing a team of firefighters to lend a hand.

"They came with their fire engine and look on Magnolia, Maren, Colt, and Kinsley's face was priceless," Perceful said.

"They were all so kind and so friendly, and brought their tall ladder, climbed the tree and helped get our swing up."

Credit: Meaghan Brown-Perceful / Facebook

Before they left, the firefighters gave the children their own helmets for "safety". They even invited them into the fire truck and showed them around.

"I can't thank Verdigris Fire Department enough for their generosity in helping us out. I will never forget this moment. Thank you for taking time out of your shift and your dinner plans to come help our family out! This is the kind of community I love. Proud to be apart of it," Perceful said.

Credit: Meaghan Brown-Perceful / Facebook

Firefighter Ariel Shepherd is the first paid female firefighter in the department.

She said it's unbelievable to her that doing what she loves can inspire girls like Maren and Magnolia along the way.

"It's the type of job where people will say, 'I didn't realize girls can be firefighters'. That's cool to hear girls and women and be recognized," Shepherd told the local news station.

Credit: Meaghan Brown-Perceful / Facebook