I never served in the military but after 9/11, I felt I owed a debt of gratitude to serve the country I love. So in my mid-forties I became a volunteer firefighter. On the day I took my final truck exam, I looked down at a stoplight and saw a young child admirably looking up at me through their car window as I sat behind the wheel of the engine. A small wave and a broad smile from the child and I knew the reason why we help our communities in public service by putting on a uniform. Today I continue to volunteer my service to the community as a firefighter, EMT, instructor, and chaplain. Whenever I teach fire prevention in the schools or represent the department out in public, I wear an Elbeco Dress uniform. It reflects my pride, professionalism, and vision of our future.
