MARYSVILLE — Residents, staff and guests of Merrill Gardens in Marysville donated nearly $200 to the Marysville Fire District Foundation during the June 11 “Guns and Hoses” barbecue.

“On behalf of the Marysville Fire District, I want to extend a big thank you to Merrill Gardens for today’s event and recognition,” said Marysville Fire Chief Greg Corn, as he and retired Marysville Fire Commissioner Kay Smith accepted the donated funds from Merrill Gardens General Manager Michelle Malhiot.

Fire and police personnel, both current and retired, turned out to share meals and conversations with the Marysville Merrill Gardens residents and staff. Marysville Police Lt. Darren Rasmussen and his wife, Marysville City Council member Carmen Rasmussen, both took part in the festivities. Ken and Ethel Cage, from the Marysville Historical Society, also stopped by for some fresh-off-the-grill cheeseburgers with all the trimmings, along with Brandon Heslop from the H.D. Fowler Company.

“It is extremely rewarding to see the community come together to participate in an event just to say thank you to those who serve our community in such an important way,” Merrill Gardens Community Relations Director Barbara Brotherton said. “How fortunate we are to live and work in Marysville.”

The Marysville Fire Foundation was founded by Corn and Smith seven years ago, and has since awarded 36 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning fire prevention or medical careers. All monies donated stay in the local community, and come from private donations and memorials.

“‘Guns and Hoses’ is great fun, but you can always donate to the foundation at your local fire station,” Smith said. “I’m committed to helping Merrill Gardens bring their residents and our firefighters together in an atmosphere of fun and cooperation. It’s so good to see them mixing it up when there’s no emergency,” she added, while watching firefighters Grant Elsworth and Ronnie Morton spend time with longtime Merrill Gardens residents Bob Stoeck and Dorothy Zechman.

“We are so appreciative of the Marysville Fire District and Marysville Police Department,” Malhiot said. “From Kay Smith to the firefighters, medics and police who support our residents and community daily, we cannot thank them enough for everything they do. The annual ‘Guns and Hoses’ event is a small token of our thanks.”