Hunter and ex-girlfriend, Daneille
Chief Ford and our son
Chief Howard, EMT teacher and Hunter
Hunter
Dad, Hunter and Brian
Brian and Hunterbrothers
Chief Ford and HunterWhen we arrived there was a huge storm that blew the power out and it was hot, but soon the power came back on. The training center is out in the country on a many acres. The facility was down a steep slope and a small lake was at the bottom of the slope. Beautifully wooded land filled with different training areas. I must say I was impressed.
Chief showed the parents and families videos of the actual training these men had been through. I think it would be very difficult to go out head first out of a third story building to practice escape on a tiny little rope, but you have to do what you have to do. Saving time also saves lives. They drill over and over to cut down on their time to dress in their gear. Chief is always pushing them to be the best they can be. I am thankful for the dedication of all of their instructors.
The main speaker was a retired fire chief. His witness to these men was incredible. Telling them of the many horrors he had seen during his career. His hands and some of his face showed the ferocity of a dedicated hero. Burned scars and many memories. How sometimes he kept it in, but that was not the best way to deal with death. He talked about the closeness of the men and to always be there for them. It was so very touching. Men can cry and help one another because this is not just any job, but a calling. When you are called to serve people in this capacity you have to share yourself. You have to love people. Thankfully, all these men are full of all of the qualities a fireman needs. What God has started in them he will finish.
May God bless the men and their families.
Most of all I am grateful that Hunter is part of a brotherhood of these men. I pray for all of their safety. Lincoln parrish is one of the largest fire fighting parrishes. Bigger than most cities in Louisiana.
My sister and her son, wife and two kids came to the graduation. Our oldest son and my grandaughter also came. Brian is a major in the Air Force. It was so nice to have all of the family together. Hunter starts his shift on Tuesday. They will continue their studies in several other areas and will take the physical part of the test in August.
We are very proud of Hunter.
26 comments:
What a wonderful day. Everyone together to celebrate a great achievement. Thanks for sharing it was the rest of us.
May God watch over each and every one that are first responders.
Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)
Dearest Pam,
What can be said? What a blessing of a son you have, both sons. We don't sit down and be quiet enough and think of what these men and women are ready to do for us, all of us. They don't think about "their" safety but just go forward to protect and save us.
Blessings on you & your wonderful family. May our Lord keep them safe, always.
Hugs,
Joyce & Rob (my hubby)
Dearest Pam,
God Bless you and your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing.
Joyce
Congrats to the new fireman.
What an exciting day for you and your family to be together and celebrate the accomplishments of your son.
Enjoyed the pictures, your sons are very handsome. You must be taking the pictures.
{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} to you and your family.
Happy Day! So glad for an exciting time for family to gather to celebrate!
Sandee, thank you for your comment and blessing first responders.
Joyce,I don't think they think of themselves that way, but I know I do and I appreciate your full hearted support.
Mike, thank you for leaving a message of congratulations.
DeEtta, I appreciate your sweet comments and yes I was taking the pictures.
Lailani, it was a wonderful day. I am sad that his girlfriend broke up with him. I pray that God will send just the right woman for him. I still haven't given up on this one yet.
Congratulations to everyone and especially to Hunter. It does take a special person to approach danger on a daily basis. I have a special soft spot in my heart for firefighters. They're important to us all!
You have much to be proud of. It is a calling to be a firefighter. It is service above self. There is no greater way to be than to serve others ahead of your own needs, your own desire to survive. Blessings of love, peace and safety to Hunter and his brothers.
Rudee, thank you for your nice comment of congratulations. I think a lot of people admire fire fighters. Tonight my little 8 year old grandaughter said she wanted to be a police woman, or a nurse, or a fire fighter.
Mark, you words are comfort to a mother's heart. I pray for all to be safe. Hunter and his brother are really good men that put others needs ahead of their own, like their dad.
I bet you are so proud of your son. He is a very handsome young man as well. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
Firefighters are special people. Congratulations to Hunter! May he keep safe and have a wonderful career.
wow Pam...you should be proud...your son is awesome and that is a reflection on how you and your husband raised me. And yes...May God watch over all these brave people....
Melissa, thank you so much for the nice comment. It is much appreciated. Thank you for letting me brag a little.
Travis, I pray for safety and I hope he is very happy being a fire fighter.
Sarah,Thank you for the nice sentiments about our son. We are so happy for him. Thank you for sharing our joy with us.
You have every right to be proud!
Love the photos. :)
Akelamula, thank you very much. It is a big moment for Hunter. I appreciate your comment.
Pam a delightful family you have. Appreciate you sharing in pictures and words for us. Thank you for your encouraging words to me as well dear one. You are a delight. Blessings.
JBR, thank you for always encouraging me on your blog. I appreciate the nice comment.
I can understand why you all are proud of Hunter! What a wonderful accomplishment.
I have a cousin who is a fire fighter in the Atlanta area. From what I can tell, this isn't an occupation that you work toward if you don't love it. I hope that Hunter has a fulfulling career.
Have a great weekend Pam!
That was a wonderful day and how proud you must be...I pray he stays safe and has a long career helping others....Michelle
I know you are proud of that man :)!!
What a very happy moment and how proud you all must be. Congratulations to Hunter! How very thankful I am for courageous young men like your son, I'm sure he'll make a wonderful fireman!
Amy, thank you for your comment.
Debra, We are blessed indeed to have so many men that work for the good of others.
Goodness Mom, Take a well deserved bow. You have raised a wonderful son, and congratulatios to Hunter for all of his hard work and success.
Hi Pam,
Congratulations to your son! What a wonderful ceremony and it was made even better with all the family there. My husband and I really appreciate what these men do after having the fire department out twice to our barn fire. It was over 100 degrees and these fellows were dressed in those hot heavy clothes and still they were so thorough. I don't blame you for being proud of your son and his choice of profession. Have a wonderful day...Maura :)
Maura, I am so far out in the country that I doubt if the VFD could get here if I needed them. We are very rural.
I know how thankful you are and that was such a sweet comment you made about my son.
During this hot weather he has a hard time staying hydrated. He has already been to the ER once for dehydration. He was sick with a virus and throwing up and then bamb! He needed hydration. They run everyday out in this miserable heat to stay conditioned.
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