Holidays at the Firehouse

On a winter night while many homes in Westminster glow with twinkling lights and the scent of holiday dinners, the City’s fire stations are just as alive with warmth, laughter, and the occasional call for emergency response. At Station 2 (9150 Lowell Blvd.), the largest firehouse in Westminster, the holidays are a blend of tradition, teamwork, and tireless service.

“We live pretty much one third of our life, especially our career life, at the firehouse,” said engineer Brian White, who’s been with the Westminster Fire Department for a decade. “So since we’re there for 48-hour shifts, it’s always been something special to me to make it feel as homey as you can.”

White, known affectionately as “Buddy the Elf” by his crew, leads the charge on transforming Station 2 into a holiday haven each year. The holiday spirit runs deep in his family, and he intends to keep the family tradition going.

“My mom has always been big into decorating,” White said. “Our house was in the newspaper list of addresses for people to drive by and see the lights for 25-plus years. That’s where I got the Christmas spirit from.”

The station’s decorations include gutter lights, inflatables, and a handcrafted Station 2 logo outlined in Christmas lights, made with help from White’s parents.

But the holidays at Station 2 are about more than just lights. They’re about both the fire family and the families they serve.

“If it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, those are the two biggest holidays that we probably celebrate at the firehouse,” White said. “Since we can’t be at home or with our families, it’s a good time to bring our families to the firehouse.”

On those days, the station swells with 20 to 35 people, including firefighters, spouses, kids, and sometimes even police officers or public works crews who stop by for a plate.

“We’ve invited the police department, streets team, dispatch, anyone working that day. We’ve offered to bring them plates or have them come eat with us,” White said. “It’s not just about us. It’s about community — our fire family, our actual families, and the people we serve.”

Meals are a highlight. Crews pitch in their own money to shop and cook, often days in advance.

“We do a Cajun-injected fried turkey, prime rib, ham, you name it,” White said. “We’ve got some incredible cooks on staff. Joe DiTirro, anything he cooks, you want to be there for. Homemade red sauce, Italian dishes. It’s better than any place you go.”

Even with the festivities, the work never stops, with firefighters always prepared to spring into action around the clock.

“We’re still responding to calls. We’re not out of service,” White said. “If we get a call, it’s the next crew up. And if we’re all gone, someone’s family member will just step up and make sure the meal is still salvageable, hopefully, by the time we get back.”

After dinner, if there’s time, the crew might gather to watch a holiday movie. “Christmas Vacation” is a favorite, and there’s a spirited debate over whether or not “Die Hard” counts as a Christmas movie.

“We do have a selection of movies that we try to get through during the holiday season,” White said. “But that’s after dinner, after all of our chores and everything else is done.”

Whether it’s decorating a vintage fire truck for the Visits with Santa program, sharing a meal with dispatchers, or responding to a call mid-dinner, Westminster’s firefighters and their fellow public servants are always on duty, making sure the holidays are safe and bright for all Westminster residents.

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Firefighter Jesse Molinar shared a family favorite recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup. View the full recipe below and learn how to make this classic with “magic rising noodles” for your loved ones this season!