Act Of Kindness From Verdigris Firefighters Brings Joy To Family

Some Verdigris firefighters went above the call of duty and hooked a swing to a tree to bring joy to a family.

But this community service is just as heartwarming for the firefighters as it is for the family.

On a warm summer day, between a forest of trees, all it takes is a swing and some hard work from dad to bring out a lot of laughter.

Mom Meaghan Perceful said her family moved to the Verdigris community from Tulsa several months ago.

The swing had laid dormant as she tried to figure out where and how to hang it with all of the tall trees.

“I was like, 'does anyone have a bucket truck or someone that could help out?'” she said.

Her call on social media led to connecting with the Verdigris Fire District, who said they might have a few resources to help.

“I cannot believe they’re actually coming here to help us," she said.

The swing is up and it’s getting a lot of use already, but the impact it’s having is bigger than anyone could have imagined.

Meaghan captured the firefighters in action climbing up this ladder to install the swing on a tall branch.

Firefighter Ariel Shepherd can now sit back and admire her work. “Look at this work of art," she said.

Ariel is the first paid female firefighter in the department. She said it’s unbelievable to her that doing what she loves can inspire girls like Maren and Magnolia along the way.

“It’s the type of job where people will say, 'I didn't realize girls can be firefighters.' That's cool to hear girls and women and be recognized," said Ariel.

The icing on the cake were hats and a special visit inside the firetruck.

Chief Mike Shaffer said his department is something special.

"It's a whole different experience for firefighters to create memories that aren't attached to traumatic incidents," said Chief Shaffer.

And thanks to this kindness, every summer in this front yard will have a little more laughter.

"They’re always there to help, and it made me feel really good,” Meaghan said.