Firetruck Weekend 2013 (aka Memorial Day)



Every year (this was the 7th annual), Downtown Allegan hosts the Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show and every year Allegan Fire District takes the big ladder truck (also known as 51) to the show.  The ladder is fully extended and the kids (and moms & dads) are allowed in to check it all out.  We spent over and hour in this truck - driving to a barn fire, calling on the radio, ringing the bell.  They wouldn't let us climb the ladder.  We were late for a birthday party.  But look at the smile and the pride on this kid's face!!  I can't tell you how blessed we are to have a fire department that has young kids and grandkids.  These guys are so great with all of these kids.  They most all know us now and don't worry about entertaining us but, it is THE BEST to see one of the guys jump in the seat and "drive us to a fire".  I can't say this enough, I LOVE this city.  LOVE IT!!

 

 

 

We had an ulterior motive to checking out the motorcycle show.  Jacob wanted to ride in Engine 16 for the parade on Monday.  Now, I being as outspoken as I generally am, believe that if he wants to take these opportunities with the Fire District, that he, at his 7 years is capable of asking for what he wants.  I told him, if he wanted to ride in the parade, it was okay with me but, he had to ask Bruce (chief) all by himself.  I wasn't making these opportunities any more.

 

My boy walked right up to his hero, looked down at his own shoes and said quietly, "Bruce, can I ride in the parade?  In 16?"  And Bruce, ever the tough guy, said "OK!"  Jacob was on cloud 9.  He'd landed a seat!  But, then our, and I say this dripping with sarcasm, hard nosed, chief says, "Or would you rather ride with me?" 

 

Allegan City did get a new police car.  A new #4.  It's the Dodge Charger.  We have directions from the Police Chief to get down to the station and check it out but, ugh!  School is such an inconvenience!!

Our friend Bruce's truck.

And here's my boy, happy as a clam.  Proud as potatoes.  Riding in his favorite Fire Engine.

There were about 20 kids packed in there. 

After the parade, Jeremy and I went to get a coffee before heading to the station to get our kid.  We sat in the parking lot, watched all the trucks return to the station, watched all the kids get out and run around but, there was no Jacob in the bunch.  I asked the firefighter who drove 16 if all the kids were out, "Yep, no one left in there." and still no Jacob.  I saw our neighbor and asked if he'd seen Jacob.  "Yep, he's with Bruce."  of course he is.  Duh, mom.  Where else would he be?  Turns out he took Bruce up on his offer.  He rode in the parade and to the cemetery in Engine 16 then went with Bruce and rode back in the chief's truck!  The best of both worlds!

This smile just might never wear off!