Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Raindrop Turkish Center hosted its first ever Firefighter Engagement Dinner. The event brought
together firefighters-captains, chiefs, and EMTs alike-from all over the Houston area, in an effort to promote effective emergency aid while simultaneously respecting the ideas and values of the Turkish culture. This idea was further exemplified as the firefighters bowed their heads and closed their eyes as a Turkish imam sounded the call to prayer that signaled Iftar, or the end of the day's fast. As dinner ended Raindrop Turkish House president Mehmet Okumus gave the firefighters a presentation on the House and the mission to promote cultural understand on which it was founded. Acting Fire Chief Rick Flanagan also shared a few words and was then surprised with a Certificate of Appreciation which he accepted on behalf of the entire Houston Fire Department in honor of their work and dedication as fire fighters in the Houston community. The night ended as the firefighters rolled in their trucks, flashing lights and all and allowed members of the community a chance inside.
