Spread The Better: FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, Juliann, and Tate with Elkhart Lake Fire Department

The Firefighter's Prayer

When I'm called to duty God
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property

And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife

Ryder, Shiloh, Juliann, Choice, and Tate

We were honored to spend our day shadowing two fire departments in Wisconsin. Both of which nobly serve their communities on a voluntary basis. Both of which made thoughtful donations to the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. And both of which showed us incredible hospitality and kindness throughout our visit today.

Shiloh, Choice, and Tate

Ryder

We began our day with the Elkhart Lake Fire Department. Their Chief, Pat, responded to our letter requesting their permission for our family to stop by. We received a lovely response offering his condolences for our loss and his blessing for us to stop in and meet them.

Shiloh, Ryder, Juliann, Choice, and Tate with Elkhart Lake Fire Department

He showed us around the station and introduced us to all of the firemen and firewomen who showed up (on Labor Day) solely for the purpose of meeting our family. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the lengths they went to in an effort to help us. I was grateful to be able to give each of them a Be Better Band and share Andrew's simple message with them. They each immediately put their bands upon their wrist in support of our cause.

Choice, Ryder, Shiloh, and Tate with Elkhart Lake Fire Department

We were given a tour around their amazing 17,000 square foot firehouse. Chief Pat comes from a long line of family members who volunteered within this same department. His father and grandfather both served as Chief for a period of time prior to him taking over that role.

Shiloh, Rusty, Tate, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder with the Elkhart Lake Fire Department

Rusty, Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, Choice, and Ryder with the Elkhart Lake Fire Department

A big thank you to the men and women of the Elkhart Lake Fire Department who understand what it means to serve. God bless you for what you have done to assist those of us who have been directly effected by fire tragedies. Please be safe as you lace up your boots and answer that call. Hugs to all.

Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, Rusty, Choice, and Ryder with the Elkhart Lake Fire Department

CAMPBELLSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT

Another group of firemen from Wisconsin hold a special place in our hearts. The Campbellsport Fire Department welcomed us to their firehouse on Labor Day as well. They were such a wonderful group of guys and gals.

Tate, Choice, Shiloh, Ryder, and Juliann with the Campbellsport Fire Department

The first thing that caught our eye when we entered the station was the Fire Pup. What an awesome treat for the kiddos! One of the firefighters (Angela) had her daughter dress up as a surprise. It was an incredible cherry on top to an amazing visit.

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice, and Juliann with the fire pup

Rusty, Shiloh, Ryder, and Tate with the fire pup

Tom, Shiloh, and Tate

Choice and Tate

Tom and Shiloh

We showed up to their firehouse right around lunchtime. In preparation of our arrival, they ordered several pizzas and snacks. We shared a meal with them, at which time I was blessed to be able to share a few words with them about our story, the role they've played in our healing, and what the purpose is for this trip. We handed out Be Better Bands there and encouraged them to continue spreading the better and blessing those who are in need.

At the conclusion of my remarks, the head of their department, Chief Olson, shared a few thoughts. He explained what being a fireman means to them and how they believe strongly in the concept of "fire family". He went on to explain that every year they hold a cookout...their largest fundraiser of the year. They decide where the proceeds of that annual fundraiser will go. In 2013 the Granite Mountain Hotshot families were the recipients of those proceeds. I know the impact it made on our lives at that was only one year. It is amazing to think of the difference that they have made in lives all over the country for years. The value of compassionate service is no secret to them.

Juliann and Chief Olson (and Chief Olson) :-)

In addition to top notch company and great pizza, the department put together a care package of goodies for us to take with us on the road. They gave me this beautiful blanket with the name of their department stitched into the fabric. I LOVE IT.

Angela and Juliann

And, they completely spoiled the kids. Perhaps I should've warned them that they are rotten enough already. :-) There were toys, candy, snacks, crayons, hats, etc... They informed us that there were more people that we should thank for these goodies. When the Campbellsport Fire Department found out we would be visiting, they stopped by a few local stores to pick out items for a care package. When talking with the businesses about the purpose behind their purchase, more donations were made.

King Pin Bowling donated 1/2 of the pizzas we ate for lunch.
Piggly Wiggly and Ben Franklin both donated the snacks and toys.
And on top of all that, the fire department purchased a $50 gas card for us to help with our travel.

The generosity from this fire department was endless. We were completely floored and humbled by these amazing people and felt honored to share or afternoon learning from them and the purity of their hearts.

Ryder

Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, Choice, and Tom

Tate, Choice, Shiloh, Ryder and Juliann with the Campbellsport Fire Department

Even after we said goodbye to the bulk of the department, we went to eat at a world famous ice-cream joint with one of the firefighters, his sweet new bride, and his dear mother. The ice-cream shop is called Kelley's Country Creamery and they have been recognized all across the world, even spotlighted on Good Morning America. Besides the delicious flavors and scrumptious taste, what makes this ice-cream place so incredibly special is the ambiance. You go inside to order your ice-cream and select from over 300 flavors made there at their family operated establishment. Then walk into a viewing room to watch them make their world class ice-cream right before your very eyes. Once you've received your dish or cone, you may eat it outside on a picnic table overlooking the family's dairy farm. You are actually able to watch the cows that produced the very milk that they used to make the ice-cream that you are enjoying at that moment. It was AWESOME!

Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, Ryder, and Tate

Choice, Tate, Shiloh, and Ryder

Choice, Tate, Juliann, Shiloh, and Ryder

Because people travel here from all over the world, they have a board where you can mark your hometown. I put a big blue star sticker on Prescott to represent the GM families.

Over all it was a wonderful day full of treats for our family. However, we failed miserably at properly observing Labor Day. We caused two fire departments to work, an ice-cream shop full of employees to serve us, and last but not least...Jason and the kiddos went to work tuning up the coach. Thankfully, all of those involved in working around us today were the cream of the crop and brought smiles to us. Thank you so much to everyone at the Elkhart Lake Fire Department and the Campbellsport Fire Department. You taught me a great lesson on serving the communities in which we live. God bless you for your compassionate hearts.

Tate, Rusty, Ryder, Jason, Choice, and Shiloh

We have been so blessed all along the way with breathtaking sunsets. This particular sunset made me think of the beauty we were leaving behind in Wisconsin. Great people, solid morals, and fabulous memories. We will cherish our time spent in the dairy state.

Check out the article printed in the Campbellsport newspaper about our visit:

http://fonddulacreporter.wi.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=0178b47c4