Melanie Granfors retiring from Shoreline Fire - reception Thursday

Melanie Granfors and Sable the Safety Dog

The Shoreline Fire Department will hold a reception on Thursday, June 2 at 4pm to honor Melanie Granfors who is retiring after being the Public Information Officer and Community Education Specialist for the department for 17 years.

Firefighter Michelle Pidduck will be promoted to PIO/ Education Specialist and Firefighter Jodi Denney is promoted to Community Services program. Both will be honored on Thursday.

Many people in the community are familiar with Melanie as she handled all community outreach, emergency preparedness, fire and life safety classes, tours, community and school events, as well as serving as spokesperson and news media liaison during that time.

Granfors created the Children's Safety Center and Firehouse 10 years ago in Richmond Beach, and has hosted over 600 three-to-five year olds on field trips, teaching tots and their families about home fire safety.

She pioneered an EMS-based community services program that assists aging, chronically ill and at risk residents who use the 911 system as a their primary medical care, or for non-emergency needs.

Next stop for Melanie will be San Diego, where she plans to work with various dog rescues and animal welfare groups. "And soak up sunshine!"

Thursday, June 2 at 4pm at Shoreline Fire Headquarters / Station 61 at 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133 (enter parking lot from southbound Aurora).

Cake and refreshments will follow the program.