Daniel K. Walker (second from right), F&M Bank Chairman of the Board and CEO, delivers apples to Long Beach Fire Department Station 1 as part of a 76-year-old tradition. Photos by Brittany Woolsey.
Teachers aren’t the only ones who should receive apples for the work they do, at least according to Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank.
The bank delivered 1,600 apples to the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) and Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) today as part of a 76-year-old tradition that was started in 1938 by then-Bank President Gus Walker.
“For 76 years, the apples have been our way of paying tribute to Long Beach’s first responders, who work tirelessly every day to keep the community strong and safe. We want to thank them again this year for their commitment to protecting our city,” said F&M Bank Chairman of the Board and CEO, Daniel K. Walker, in a statement.
Walker presented the apples to LBFD Chief Mike DuRee and LBPD Chief Robert Luna.
“The men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department love receiving Farmers & Merchants Bank’s gift of festive apples,” said DuRee. “F&M Bank and the Walker family have been dedicated contributors to Long Beach for decades. We are appreciative that they take a moment to recognize our local first responders each holiday season.”