Long story short, the local fire dept. reported very quickly to a false alarm at my house. I felt so dumb! I'd like to give them some sort of gift basket to show my gratitude. Normally I'd go for chocolate, but maybe that's not a great idea in this age of healthy eating. Can you suggest some gift ideas?

I wrote a post and had to start over — all of my original suggestions revolve around less healthy eating.

Take out an ad in the local paper thanking them? Or smaller but meaningful: appear at the appropriate board meeting to read and deliver a letter of thanks?

I could be a good idea to just ask them. That way they get something they actually want and need. When I served in an ERT we had a "tip jar" for buying stuff for the unit.That would allow buying items above the budget for tokens of appreciation.

About fifteen years ago, during my time at the Citizen's Fire Academy, I learned that firefighters appreciate when people bring them fresh-baked cookies. Even in today's focus on healthy eating, firefighters still enjoy food.

Jeanette Isabelle

Good coffee?

Since I got SimpliSafe about two years ago, the fire department has been to my house three times. I must be a bad cook. Once the fire alarm goes off, they're coming - regardless if I call the 'cancel' number at SimpliSafe. First time was Sunday breakfast. Fried sausage was the culprit. We invited them in for eggs and sausage, but they declined. The next two times, I just met them at the curb.

I give them a donation every year.