This month, John has been learning about fire safety.  They have taught him to “stop, drop, and roll” and even how to dial 911.  Part of this process entailed a field trip to the West Point fire station.

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The fire fighters were great with the kids.  I never even considered how scary a fighter-fighter, all decked out in a mask and full gear, would be to a small child.  We certainly wouldn’t want John or Garrett to run away in fear from fire-fighters in an emergency situation.  Fire-fighter Natalie demonstrated how she gets dressed to go into a fire.  The smaller children were very taken aback at first.  After Garrett saw Mommy interact with her and give her a “high-five” he was able to go to her and touch her.

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Wonderously, after demonstrating putting on the gear, they let the children crawl all over the equipment, touch it and try it on.  Very cool.

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Even better yet, they pulled out several of the fire trucks and ambulances and let the children crawl all over them and in them, mess with all the buttons, and generally do kid things.

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They concluded by passing out “fire chief” hats to the children.  John and Garrett spent the rest of the afternoon running around the house in their helmets playing fire-fighter.dscf3388

Sometimes, John will ask me what a hero is.  Certainly, it entails running into burning buildings and saving people.  But this much less dramatic patience certainly made an impression on my children.  Not as glamorous, but this mom was impressed.

(The precious blond in the last picture is my son’s “girl-friend”…but that’s another post)