NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Firefighters spent Friday night loading toys and games into a fire engine at North Las Vegas Fire Station 51.
The items - which include toy trucks, board games and a Nintendo DS - are gifts for a North Las Vegas family whose house was destroyed by a fire on January 2.
Fred Wechselberger and Jennifer Chaltas work in dispatch at Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.
"It's a family of eight, and the fire destroyed everything that they have, including their Christmas presents," Wechselberger said.
"We don't always get an opportunity to see first-hand what happens, but this gives us a way to help or give back," Chaltas added.
On this night, as part of Operation Fire Heat, they ride with North Las Vegas firefighters to meet that family who had a horrifying start to the new year. The fire department brought presents for Manuela Velazquez and her children, who rushed outside.
The children received everything on their Christmas wish list, plus more. As firefighters hauled more gifts inside, their faces lit up. Velazquez was overwhelmed by the kind gesture.
"I have no words for it. I want to thank everybody. I know my kids are happy for everything that they got," she said.
Firefighters also allowed the kids to climb into the fire engine, wear the helmets and even try out the hose. Eight-year-old Mayra loved the fire truck and her new presents. Eleven-year-old Raul saw how firefighters and Operation Fire Heat rushed to his family's rescue.
"It made me proud," he said.
For those who help victims triumph over tragedy, it's a rewarding experience. "It's a feeling that you, you can't buy it. It's awesome," Wechselberger said.
Operation Fire Heat began when each dispatcher started saving five dollars a week from his or her paycheck to help families during the holidays.
Learn More About Operation Fire Heat
