Today, we worked on the “Big John” project until I left to
take Engine 8 to an event at the Fire Museum.
As I drove to the Museum, I began to think about all of these old fire
trucks and wondered why they were so important to me. Well, I realized that I have a lot in common
with these old trucks. In 2007, I was
given an opportunity to “come out of retirement” to join a group called the Charleston
Firefighter Support Team. I have been
blessed to be a part of a dedicated group of clinicians and peer counselors as
we work to assist our firefighters and their families on a daily basis. I know I can speak for all of my teammates in saying
we are honored to be a part of this effort.
Personally, being a member of this Team has given me an
opportunity to hopefully make some contribution to the future of our
firefighters long after I thought I was done.
So, I hope that we are giving these old fire engines the same
opportunity to, once again, contribute when their days appeared to be
done. Whether they are at a firefighter’s
wedding, rolling in a parade, standing proud at a fund raiser or car show,
making children smile at a birthday party, or taking a firefighter to his final
resting place, these old trucks continue to serve, in their own way, to honor
those who have driven or ridden on them over the years.
I am pretty sure that if they could talk, they
would be thankful that they too are once again a part of this business we call
the Fire Service.
Be safe, my friends!
Gerald
