If you ask Enterprise Fire Department Chief Christopher Davis to describe the people he works with, you’ll get a brief pause before a smile spreads across his usual stoic face. He’s proud to tell anyone who asks about the men and woman who make up the 52-person force. Tuesday night the Fire Department will be recognized as Grand Marshal of the annual Enterprise Christmas Parade due to their heroic efforts in last month’s downtown fire.
“The community got to see what I see every day,” Chief Christopher Davis said, reflecting on the Oct. 16 fire that ripped through and destroyed three downtown businesses, one residential structure and caused damage to another business. “I am happy the firefighters are getting recognition. It’s an honor to be the Grand Marshal.”
Davis notes not only hard work and commitment shown by firefighters that day but also compassion, as the fire was in the heart of the downtown community, right along the parade route.
“I want them to feel this when they walk down Main Street. I want them to know the community appreciates what they do day in and day out. If there is a fire in someone’s backyard, not everyone knows, but this one was smack down in the middle of downtown. Enterprise got to see what these firefighters really do.”
When it came time for the community to submit nominations for the Grand Marshal of this year’s Christmas parade, several came in for Chief Davis and the entire Department.
“Chief Davis’s incredible leadership and calm during the recent downtown fire just raised my opinion of the entire EFD. To have such professionalism and kindness combined is so rare,” one nomination read. “We cannot praise him and his crew highly enough.”
“The actions of the entire fire department were heroic as they contained the Main Street fire. So grateful for their dedication to their jobs and their bravery in scary situations,” another nomination read.
As Grand Marshal, the Fire Department will lead a record-number of entries in the 2022 Christmas parade. Immediately behind the firefighters will be a fire engine full of their family members, as well as some walking alongside them.
“Without the families giving them the support, we couldn’t do what we do,” Chief Davis said. “The pride that they have, the willingness they have, that’s what makes us successful.”
And the Enterprise community will also give the firefighters support at the parade, as thousands of spectators are expected to line Main Street for the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast. The parade, which will be broadcast on WTVY, begins at 6:30 p.m., runs from North Main Street at Southeast Cardiology and Grocery Outlet, and travels south eight blocks to River Bank & Trust.