Firefighters are often seen as role models for their courage as they don’t hesitate to battle fires, but Turlock firefighters are also just as known for their kindness.

The Random Acts of Kindness program is managed by Turlock Firefighters Local 2434 and is a force for good in the community.

Over the years, the charity has offered scholarships to Turlock and Pitman high school students, provided lunches to Every 15 Minutes drunk driving education program participants, donated food and toys to Turlock Together and been the major sponsor of the Turlock Christmas Parade. The firefighters also help individuals with specific needs, such as a man who needed a raised bed frame to accommodate a chair lift device, gift cards to a family of seven who lost most of their belongings in a fire and finding a smoke detector that could be used in the bedroom for young man who is deaf.

The Random Acts of Kindness program is mostly funded through the firefighters’ annual fill the boot campaign and their annual crab feed.

On Tuesday, retired Turlock Fire Capt. Frank Saldivar gave a report to the Turlock City Council the group’s most recent crab feed.

“We want to sincerely thank the community for their incredible support,” he said of the event that drew a crowd of  over 500, and raised a total of $26,431.

“Events like this remind us how fortunate we are to live in this community, one who shows up and gives back and supports one another,” said Saldivar.

He said RAK has given a total of $210,000 back to the community and another $200,000 for their pink T-shirt drive for the Bill and Elsie Ahlem Cancer Endowment. Every dollar raised stays in Turlock or the surrounding communities.

Recently, RAK donated 29 stop signs to school crossing guards. The new stop signs light up and flash and are more visible, especially during foggy days, said Saldivar.

“None of this would be possible without the continued support of our residents, local businesses, volunteers and community partners,” he said.