A group of firefighters stood in a driveway taking cell phone photos as a brand new fire engine “rolled” out of Port Arthur Fire Station No. 3.

This wasn’t just any fire engine but a special fire engine playhouse built by members of the Port Arthur Firefighters Local Union No. 397 as part of the Casas for Casa fundraiser.

The fire engine playhouse is one of five unique playhouses to be raffled off to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southeast Texas.

“This event is not just building playhouses,” Christy Heisner, resource development coordinator with CASA said. “It is about rebuilding the shattered lives of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Volunteers advocate for these children on a daily basis so we are able to rebuild strong, confident children who will one day become productive citizens in our community.”

Port Arthur Fire Capt. Gerrit Achord said this is their second time to take part in Casas for CASA. A dozen people worked for about three weeks to build the project.

Capt. Mike Perez said some of the helpers came in on their days off to work on the playhouse.

The red fire engine replica, which includes a ‘bucket area on top’ is 6-feet wide, 10-feet long and 9½ feet tall. The engine features working lights, a hand crank siren and a water hose mounted on top so children can climb up and spray water.

Pete Cammareri of Winnie did the custom-made grill and fabrication items and the real tires came from Felix’s Auto Salvage.

“We were fortunate enough for Lowe’s in Port Arthur to provide all materials at half price,” Achord said. “Martin Apparatus of Houston provided all of the emergency lights.”

The playhouse also has a solar panel to power the lights.

Capt. Tim Mitchell spearheaded the project, and Capt. Brian Simmons traveled to Martin Apparatus in Houston, where he dug through a warehouse to find the proper lights.

“The firefighter union always looks at ways to step up and help the community from painting houses to holding sales for people who lost their homes to a fire to providing clothing for children who lost everything,” Achord said. “This is another way for us to step up, and CASA is a great organization providing assistance to children who have been removed from their homes by CPS (Child Protective Services) and the advocates. We are proud to partner with the on Casas for CASA.”

Achord and fellow firefighters put their heads together to come up with the design that would fit their year’s theme “Cruising Around Southeast Texas.”

“When we decided to come up with the idea of the playhouse, many of us have children and in some cases, grandchildren,” he said. “We thought of the many activities children love to do.”

The fire engine playhouse also features ladders and a slide.

Other builders this year include AGY Enterprises, Bevilacqua Construction, Kizziah Construction and the LeBlanc Correctional Unit.

Other playhouse designs to be raffled off include an ambulance, police car, school bus and pink Jeep.

Achord said the playhouses are for more than just children. Daycares could benefit from the item, and a corporation could invest and make a donation as well.

SWAT Towing was on hand to deliver the fire engine playhouse to the Mall and will also deliver it, free of charge, to the winner.

The playhouses are on display at Parkdale Mall in Beaumont. Raffle tickets are $2 each or $5 for three tickets. You may also buy tickets online at www.casasetx.org

The drawing for the playhouses will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Parkdale Mall. You need not e present to win.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews