The Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club gave certificates of appreciation to both the Columbia Falls Police and Fire Departments last week as part of “Heroes Week,” a creation of the local club aiming to “recognize our community’s heroes,” according to the club’s area director Pamela Koller.

Firefighters Larry Grogan and Dillon Thorsteinson surprised the boys and girls of the club Wednesday afternoon by driving up in a blaze of sirens and lights before getting out to greet the students in full regalia. The meeting was cut short and the kids were able to see the volunteers in action when the firemen left to address a call concerning a power outage.

Officer Craig McConnell from the Columbia Falls Police Department visited the club on Friday to talk with the kids.

In addition to certificates of appreciation, the club’s young members also wrote the emergency servicemen and women thank you letters.

One written by 8-year-old Sophia Paris read, “Dear Firefighter, you are my hero like Iron Man.” When asked to elaborate, Paris answered, “Because they save the world from houses burning down.”