 |
|
FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia - Saturday, April 19,2008 - The father/son
relationship has long been a tradition with the fire service and today was
no different. With a little bite of a twist to the usual firefighting
family, this time instead of the father taking his son in for the first time
it was a little reverse. This time a son got the opportunity to take his dad
into a fire and show him why the trill or adrenalin rush was so intense.
Fort Oglethorpe Explorer, First Responder Correspondent and determined Jr.
Firefighter Patrick Kellam has always told his dad about why he has such a
great desire to be a firefighter. PJ as his friends know him has wanted to
be a firefighter since an early age. He once seen a fire engine scream by on
the way to a fire and one of the firefighters waved at him. At this point in
his life it was on, he wanted to be that firefighter on the way to save
someone’s life. Explaining to his dad became a regular topic of conversation
around the house and at the dinner table.
Patrick’s dad a former law enforcement officer, Steve, listens with
amazement at the stories of what it’s like for his son, but never really has
experienced the full concept of what it’s like. Steve takes his son to most
of the fires, not just in the district where he is a member but to other
district fires as well. Most of the department around the area have all come
to know PJ because of his ambition and willingness to help. Even if it’s
just rolling up hose or getting firefighters water when they come out of a
fire.
Today, a beautiful warm sunny day would be a day for PJ and dad Steve to
remember. The Fort Oglethorpe Fire Department had a live burn at a donated
house on Three Knotch Road, just a block Off of Battlefield Parkway. It
started just after 8:00 am and consisted of several cycles of crews going in
and doing searches and fire suppression exercises. After lunch came a
special surprise as several explorers were able to go in on a suppression
cycle. On this cycle PJ and Steve geared up together and put on air packs.
To be honest, I am not really sure how Steve felt, a little scared maybe or
even nerves, but one thing for sure PJ was excited. Excited because the next
time he tried to explain to dad, he would have a lot more understanding
about what he was saying. The cycle only lasted a short time, but sure
enough it would be a time not forgotten by dad and son.
In all the training on this day went well, several fire department
participated including Fort Oglethorpe, Catoosa County, Walker County,
Walker State Prison Fire Department and the Fort Oglethorpe Explores. All
the firefighters seemed to have brought something away from the training.
However, The one thing that PJ and Steve brought away from this day would
probable make the father/ son bond a lot deeper then before.
Story and photos by Bill Carson
MEMBERS AREA
START YOUR MEMBERSHIP
|
