LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB Fox 41)---On Saturday, firefighters with Milton Fire & Rescue found a way to thank the people who helped them when they needed it the most.
This included serving community members free food.
"It's our chance to tell them ‘Thanks' and help them out and see if they have any questions or if they want to see where their donations have gone to," says Chief Jason Long with Milton Fire & Rescue.
Five months ago, a tornado destroyed all but one room in the fire station.
"When they told us it hit the firehouse, we were like oh my gosh, because we knew they had the fire truck in here and everything and we didn't know what the devastation was," says Darlene Scholl, who attended the event.
"I was at my son's house in the basement and I didn't realize that my grandson was in the building here. It was scary," says Doug Stark.
Doug Stark's grandson, Andrew, made it out safely.
The department lost its building, a fire engine, and the fish fry truck that they used for income to keep the fire station going.
Saturday's celebration was a way to give back to the people who donated to help get it up and running again.
"This is one of the good things in the community and we felt like she should come out and support it," says Doug Stark.
With a new fire engine, fry truck, and station, firefighters say they're better equipped now than ever before.
"It's beautiful. Very good," says Darlene Scholl.
"Real nice. Looks good. I think they've done a good job on it," says Doug Stark.
"Without their support we wouldn't have this back yet. We would not be in business," says Chief Jason Long.
Officials say there is now a room in the new fire station that will be used as a shelter, just in case they were to get hit by a tornado again.
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