Firefighters at North Whidbey Fire and Rescue recently extended thanks to their Californian colleagues with a simple, sweet gesture.

And they are hoping to have started a tradition.

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Capt. Jim O’Connor initially thought up the idea to send Girl Scout cookies to fellow firefighters after asking for and receiving help from Skagit Fire on a mutual aid call for assistance combatting a Duguala Heights fire.

Firefighters don’t necessarily take the time to thank one another on an individual or station-to-station basis, he said.

“When we’re on a fire scene things are hectic and smokey, and you don’t have a chance to walk up to the guy from some other fire department that’s been there for three hours helping you to personally thank him,” O’Connor said.

The Whidbey firefighters decided to send a case of cookies to associates in Sunnyvale, Calif., because that is the station nearest to O’Connor’s granddaughters, and would be the first to respond in case of an emergency.

O’Connor said he made a deal with his granddaughter, a Girl Scout, that he would buy a case of cookies under the condition that she hand-deliver the treats, along with a letter and a North Whidbey Fire and Rescue patch, to the Sunnyvale station closest to her home.

He said the element of hand-delivery is essential, because it connects the girls on a person-to-person basis with first responders.

He added that it may also inspire first responders to sponsor a local troop, or to work with them by offering classes like CPR.

It’s a multifaceted and mutually beneficial endeavor, O’Connor said.

“I felt this may be a step toward getting young people involved with their community, and the people that take care of their community,” he said.

“And who in the world doesn’t like Girl Scout cookies?”

In the letter penned by O’Connor, he wrote, “By giving Girl Scout Cookies, the young ladies can see what we do and feel the devotion of service that firefighters are known around the world for.”

O’Connor then requested that the Sunnyvale station pass along the gesture.

In his letter of response, James Anton, Lieutenant at Fire Station 4 in Sunnyvale, Calif., said he intended to do so in the near future.

“Thank you very much for the kind gesture. I think it’s not only a thoughtful thing to do, but the fact that it helps such a good cause — the Girl Scouts, makes it even more special,” Anton wrote.

“The crew here at our station plans to pass along the tradition.”

Ultimately, O’Connor said, he’d like to see every fire station nationwide enjoying a cup of coffee and a Girl Scout cookie by the end of the year.