Shreveport Firefighters Become Salvation Army Bell Ringers for a Day

Fighting dangerous blazes. Rescuing cats from trees. Ringing bells for donations? Shreveport fire fighters joined forces with the Salvation Army to add a new bullet point to their résumés and raise money for a good cause.

The volunteering firemen filled in as Salvation Army bell ringers at stores across Shreveport today, taking turns next to the international charity group's iconic red kettles.

Outside the Walmart on Westport Ave., Captain Chris Thedford and Chiefs Dwayne Tasby and Frederick William (pictured above) greeted customers and wished them a merry Christmas as they left -- standard operating procedure for Salvation Army volunteers.

Captain Kenny Davis and fire fighter Mark Myers also manned the big box store's second entrance to maximize potential donations.

“We’re asking the public to give whatever they can give – pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars to help this organization," said Shreveport Fire Chief Craig Mulford. "You’ll be surprised how much we can collect if every person gave something.”

The Shreveport Fire Department says that in addition to helping raise money, it hopes to encourage more volunteerism among residents who may be looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season.