Kristine Rudd, 17, poses with members of the Prince Albert Fire Department during her birthday drive-by on November 19. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Kind moments

Prince Albert Police Service and Fire Department help celebrate birthdays during COVID

Nov 19, 2020 | 5:47 PM

Emergency services across the city are helping as many families as they can by performing a ‘birthday drive-by’ to help celebrate birthdays during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acting Captain for the Prince Albert Fire Department, James Dorward told paNOW they are happy to respond to the requests when they are able to.

“We do it very willingly,” Dorward said. “With these times we are dealing with we understand that children cannot have friends and family over, and it can be a hard time for them. This is something we can give to them and hopefully it brightens up their day.”

Dorward added the department is there to serve the community and it is nice to make a kid happy on their birthday.

Charlene Tebbutt, a spokesperson for the Prince Albert Police Service added while they are not able to attend every birthday request that comes their way, officers enjoy the calls they go to.

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“When members can attend, we want to make sure we are participating,” Tebbutt explained. “We are so happy to be invited. Members want to be able to participate in the birthday celebration, especially now to help put a smile on the child’s face and wish them a happy birthday.”

At one of the celebrations, Carol Rudd, mother of 17-year-old birthday girl Kristine, said she was surprised by the drive-by as one of her neighbours scheduled it.

“I believe it’s our neighbourhood that is helping out here,” Rudd said. “It means a lot.”

Kristine added she was thankful for the generosity.

“This is going to be very nice, I really appreciate all the kindness around the neighbourhood, and people helping out during these times,” Kristine said while awaiting the fire truck.

At another drive-by across the city Shelley Laliberte, mother of Kale who turned 10 years old today, said she wanted to thank her community for their help in celebrating her son’s birthday.

“All I asked for was some lawn ornaments,” Laliberte said. “All of a sudden my messages blew up and people were offering to bring a cake, and pizza as well.”

Laliberte explained to paNOW when she called the Police Service and Fire Department they did not hesitate when asked for the drive-by. She said that was comforting for her, knowing her son who suffers from severe asthma and has been mostly inside over the past six months would be able to have fun and celebrate.

Shelley Laliberte and her son Kale (10) pose for a photo with a police officer during a birthday drive-by for Kale on November 19. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

While members of the Prince Albert Police Service and Prince Albert Fire Department would like to attend every birthday drive-by request that comes in, they are unfortunately unable to at times when they are busy with emergencies.

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8