La Conner Firemen’s Association helps those in grief

Out of tragedy, members of the La Conner Firemen’s Association have launched a new program to comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones.

Association members and La Conner volunteer firefighters have begun providing blankets, gift cards, candles and other items that can be of use and help console families in their time of grief, Jaime Stroebel-Reinstra told the Weekly News last week.

The grief relief project is based on one run by the Lake McMurray Volunteer Fire Department.

Stroebel-Reinstra and her husband, La Conner Hook & Ladder Chief Aaron Reinstra, experienced the Lake McMurray program first-hand when Reinstra’s cousin, Cory Rowland, suffered a seizure and drowned while working on his dock at the popular south Skagit County lake last September.

“The Lake McMurray Volunteer Fire Department was so kind and thoughtful to the family during this tragic day,” Stroebel-Reinstra recalled. “They brought a basket of food and items of comfort and the family really appreciated it.

“I thought it was such a kind gesture and I thought the La Conner Firemen’s Association should do the same,” she said. “I told my friends about the kind gesture and they all wanted to be a part of the association and continue the kindness.”

The local firemen’s association is the non-profit organization that provides fundraising and community support for La Conner Hook & Ladder.

Stroebel-Reinstra was joined by Brenda Schmidt, Heike Nelson, Jane Mitchell, Karen Watkins, Kelly Fedak Kelly Silvan Lisa Swanson, Stephanie Banaszak and Terri Cunningham.

“It’s an amazing group of ladies,” Stroebel-Reinstra said. “It was my idea, but when I mentioned it, they were all totally onboard with it. It’s incredible how well they’ve pulled together and organized everything.

“We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the fire station,” she added. “We joined the association in January and since then we’ve delivered two baskets and made monthly dinners for the firefighters.”

Stroebel-Reinstra said the association welcomes anyone wishing to support the community and its firefighters or who wants to donate baskets, blankets or other items that would provide comfort for those experiencing a loss.

“The firefighters are also a part of this group,” Stroebel-Reinstra said, “but they are busy saving lives and doing the work on the calls, where we provide the support for them and the people they are helping.”

Among those who’ve stepped forward thus far is Rowland’s mom, Eileen.

“She is involved,” Stroebel-Reinstra said, “by making cards for the baskets.”

Due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy provisions, the association often will not know for whom they are providing baskets.

“We’ll just know there’s a loss and that we need to put together a basket,” Stroebel-Reinstra said.

Thus, it takes sensitivity and keen insight to build a basket that can provide the right measure of relief for any recipient.

“These baskets,” Stroebel-Reinstra stressed, “are also a way to honor Cory Rowland. His accident inspired us to be more supportive in our community.”