Station 16 Holiday Party Celebrates the Season with Firefighters and Neighbors
The 53-year-old tradition is one of Atlanta’s longest-running annual holiday events
The first African American firefighters assigned to Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 started the event in 1972
These same firefighters were the first to integrate Atlanta Fire Rescue Department 60 years ago
Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation receives largest corporate donation to date from Norfolk Southern to continue the tradition
(ATLANTA, Dec. 9, 2023) – The holiday season is marked by gatherings with family and friends, the giving and
receiving of gifts, homecooked meals, and a visit from Santa. And this is exactly what a group of firefighters in 1972
decided to plan and make happen for their neighbors – the children and families – who lived across the street, down the
block, and around the corner from Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16. The station remains at the same address and
neighborhood at 1048 Joseph E. Boone Blvd., NE, Atlanta, 30314. The community comprises the historically black
neighborhoods known as English Avenue, Vine City, and Washington Park. New to the event this year is a partnership
with the Empty Stocking Fund which allows the families to ‘play Santa’ and select gifts for the children. The event is also
returning to the original menu of a traditional home cooked holiday meal including whole turkeys smoked by Doug’s
North Carolina BBQ and all the traditional sides including mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potato casserole and
more, catered by neighborhood and family-owned K&K Soul Food. Today, more than 600 neighbors – the largest guest
list since the pandemic – celebrated the magic of Christmas at Station 16.
“Today’s annual event is always a favorite, and the fact that it is the legacy of firefighters who integrated the department
60 years ago makes it even more significant,” said Taos Wynn, Interim President and CEO, Atlanta Fire Rescue
Foundation. “It is our pleasure to stand alongside Atlanta Fire Rescue and we appreciate the outpouring of support - from
citizens, to community partners and corporate citizens - who stepped up to contribute and help host this incredible
tradition.”
Every family received new toys, bicycles, and a laptop due to the generosity of the community and the support received
by the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation through donations from Norfolk Southern, Accenture, Austin Realty & Co.,
Bankhead Seafood, Compudopt, and Trap Music Museum.
“The Station 16 Holiday Party is a very proud tradition for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department,” said Roderick M. Smith.
“Firefighters are integral to the communities where they live and work, and the opportunity to celebrate the season, share
a meal, and give and receive with your neighbors is a blessing. This is what the holidays are all about.”
About the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation
Founded in 2004, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings
together individuals, small businesses, corporations, and civic groups to support the 1,200 public safety personnel of the
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) and the largest department in the state of Georgia. AFRF supports
neighborhoods and communities by funding workforce development for youth; continuing education and housing needs
for firefighters; and improvements at fire and EMS stations. Through its staff and board, AFRF’s goal is to ensure that
every neighborhood receives equitable access to fire and EMS protection. Safe cities are created through community-
centered public safety. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation is the bridge between the communities and the Atlanta Fire
Rescue Department.
About Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD)
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) provides an all-hazards approach in the protection of the lives and property
of the residents, businesses, and visitors of Atlanta, Georgia. The department is comprised of five divisions of labor:
Support Services, Field Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Technical Services, and the Airport Fire. AFRD is one
of only nineteen departments in the country to be accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), as well as
maintain an Insurance Service Office (ISO) Rating of Class 1-A.
CONTACT: Nancy Tao, Tao Communications, 404-472-6895 or Taos Wynn, AFRF, 404-279-0139
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