By Hannah Stafford, News Editor
Every hallway of every dorm on campus has a special name that has been given to it by its current RA or has been passed down through generations. One particular hall in Johnson is taking the identity found in its hall name to a new level. Johnson 2nd Main, “Firehouse,” will be hosting a fundraiser for the Wilmore Fire Department on Oct. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. “Firehouse Fun-nomenon” is the vision of Firehouse RA, sophomore Paul Liao.
“Last year I worked at Phys[ical] Plant and a bunch of firefighters worked there too,” said Liao. “They’re really great people who do a lot of hard work and this is a way for them to be recognized and connect with the students here.”
The Wilmore Fire Department is completely volunteer, so Liao said most of the firefighters have to work a second job and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Liao said that they are very excited to come to Asbury and enjoy an afternoon with the students.
“They’re going to bring their fire trucks and fire gear over, and we’ll do a lot of activities,” said Liao. “There should be a bunch of competitions: fun fire safety tests, a race to put on the fire-fighting gear and then a big game of random objects dodgeball. The dodgeball is the main event and it will hopefully be staff versus students.”
[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]They’re really great people who do a lot of hard work and this is a way for them to be recognized and connect with the students here.[/perfectpullquote]
To add a bit more competition and incorporate the fire department further, the losing team of the dodgeball game will get hosed down by the fire truck.
“It’s going to be a blast! It will be a new thing with music and food and fun games,” said Liao.
The other residents of Firehouse also have high expectations for the event.
SLA of Firehouse, sophomore Ian Tan said, “It’s going to be lit….and wet. Mostly wet, but yeah, you get the point.”
Liao has been working with Student Development and the RD of Johnson, Clark Kendall to organize “Firehouse Fun-nomenon” and he hopes this will create a new tradition for Firehouse as well as a strong bond between the fire department and students on campus.
“I want to see it grow — to see the entire faculty, staff and student body interact,” said Liao, “This is a great opportunity for everyone to hang out with everyone, regardless of their usual hobbies or interests.”
