Sweet tidings: Residents carry on New Year's tradition for first responders

Roger and Laura Muckerheide know the way to a first responder's heart is through their sweet tooth -- at least that's true if they are working the night shift on New Year's Eve.

"We come up to the doors of these police and fire stations and the folks are so happy to see us," said Roger. "It's like bringing in a sack of money; they are so thankful and appreciative."

Every New Year's Eve for the past 20 years, the Muckerheides have been delivering goodies to every police and fire station in Plano. The "guns and hoses thank you tour" is the couple's way of showing their appreciation for the men and women who keep the city safe during a night when the rest of us spend it celebrating.

"We happened to hear on the radio about a group of Jewish medical professionals volunteering to come in and work for Christian doctors and nurses on Christmas Eve," said Roger, 67. "We thought how cool that was and it made us wonder how we can we give back to Plano. So we spent that New Year Eve day baking brownies and delivered them to three stations."

Plano residents since 1981, the Muckerheides make sure to leave thank you cards with the confectionary packages for two reasons: one, to send a personalized message letting them know how much their service and sacrifice is appreciated; and two, as a way of letting the recipients know the treats are safe to eat.

Over the years, the Muckerheide's operation has grown with the city. Each year, the route is checked and double checked to make sure no new stations are left out. Twenty years and 21 stations later, it now takes the couple three-and-a-half hours to deliver 43 dozen treats.

"We've been reluctant to make any big deal about this because it's not about us," Roger said. "We are just so appreciative. These folks are working while everyone else is enjoying themselves."

When the Muckerheides ran out of both time and counter space, they turned to Mimi's Café in Allen to help the cause. For three years, the restaurant donated the muffins, but when the economy took a turn they had to start charging.

"We are happy to help," said Julie Gibbs, general manager at Mimi's Café. "[Our police and firefighters] work overnight, and it's good to see somebody doing this for them."

With Roger now retired and facing certain health challenges, he and Laura are afraid they may not be able to carry on the tradition for much longer. Although there have been times when they thought about ending the thank you tour, each year they stick to their commitment, finding a way to afford the endeavor rather than letting their fans down.

"It's too much fun, it's the highlight of our holiday, and the guys and gals are so appreciative," Roger said. "It's a little thing, not a big deal but it means a lot to them."

Roger shared a fond memory that reflects how their popularity has grown among Plano's police and firefighters in which Roger was pulled over for speeding one year.

"It was in March and it was cold, and my heater in the car had cratered and my toes were freezing," Roger said. "I got to Park Avenue about two miles from home and I was pulled over by a Plano officer and he gave me a warning. After he gave me the warning he said, 'thanks for the brownies.'"

Gearing up for their upcoming delivery, Roger said they have to give their order to Gibbs two weeks in advance. Costing them roughly $400 to make their rounds this year, each upcoming delivery seems to pose a greater challenge. Hopefully, with some help from like-minded residents, Roger said, New Year's Eve for Plano's first responders will continue to be sweet for many more years to come.

"We aren't looking to make any money and we're not looking for someone to take over the project, but if someone is willing to donate part of the money that would help us," Roger said. "Social security doesn't stretch quite like it used to and this has become very, very important to us. I cannot imagine not doing it."

For information about way to help the "guns and hoses thank you tour," contact staff writer Kelley Chambers at 972-398-4255.

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