Ultimate in Function AND Necessity

The first time my own children made a trip to the fire station to pick out a pumpkin in the annual fire station pumpkin give-away, they also had the opportunity to try some of the firefighter equipment, including the massive boots.  The top of the boots were over their knees and the boots were so heavy that it was impossible for them to walk.

Firefighter Boots - pencil, .8 black Micron marker and black India ink using a Pentel pocket pen on 300 series Strathmore mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge. 

Kudos to the men and the women of the fire department for going above and beyond to help build this relationship with the children and families of the community.   I know it was a lot of extra hours for them to organize the pumpkins and have gear ready to kids to investigate.  For our community, the time the firefighters put in at this event was above and beyond their own job or their regular duties to the department.  Of course any event like this may be totally disrupted in the event that an alarm should sound.

 My own children weren't particularly interested in the pumpkins, but the opportunity to be in the firehouse, close to the trucks, and the equipment was pretty exciting.  I think it was also an eye-opener for the parents - well, it was for me.

Although we had studied the important role of the fire department and the firemen in school, I don't think I ever stopped to think about all of the other essential responsibilities besides rescuing people and fighting fires.  Equipment has to always be in top working order, drivers have to know streets and water hook-up locations, and once equipment is used, it must be meticulously cleaned and stored for the next use.  Working as a time, not only within the department, but with other organizations such as police and medical, were also invisible essentials.  Knowing the community and making connections to build trust and make lasting relationship takes even more time and a structured plan. 

Firefighter Boots - pencil, .8 black Micron marker, Faber-Castille brush top markers,  FW acrylic ink and black India ink using a Pentel pocket pen on 300 series Strathmore mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge. 

I feel so fortunate that our community firefighters continue to build relationships in our community.  The essential work that they do to help people in times of need is often taken for granted.  They fill big shoes in fostering community trust, support and leadership.  Giving away pumpkins might seem like a little thing, but it is amazing when you consider all of the related pathways this fall activity helps develop. 

Firefighter Boots - pencil, .8 black Micron marker, Faber-Castille brush top markers,  FW acrylic ink and black India ink using a Pentel pocket pen on 300 series Strathmore mixed-media paper.  Click on image to enlarge.