Christmas Eve at the Fire Station

This year on Christmas eve, my dad had to work. He is a firefighter for the great city of Salt Lake and this year his shift fell on Christmas eve. He wasn't too concerned about missing out since my brother, sister, and I are older now. When the day came, however, most of the other firefighters had family visiting them and he started to feel a little lonesome.

My step-mom, Kristin, called us and asked if we would want to make a surprise visit to the station and we jumped at the chance. I made a batch of Chocolate Crinkle cookies for the firefighters and we hopped in the car.

We got to the firehouse just in time to eat some delicious turkey chili and a "mahvelous" fruit tart. After filling up on chili and sweets, we got to take a tour of the firestation. We saw their dorms, the engines and trucks, the entertainment room, the weight room, and even the famous pole.

We got to sit in the in engine my dad drives and see all the fire-fightin' gear. Ben even got to slide down the pole (I declined to take a turn... too high up for me).

Surprisingly, Livi was interested in every thing my dad showed us. She wasn't bored or restless for a second. Of course, we took lots of pictures.

Even though we were all laughing and having a great time, I was struck with a sense of awe and respect for for what the men and women from fire departments across our nation do each day. They are trained and, more impressively to me, are willing to put their lives on the line for those in need. While every call every call they get may not be a roaring inferno needed to be conquered, every call they get is important and makes a difference to someone. I was always proud of dad for pursuing a career as a firefighter, but seeing the fire station firsthand, really impressed upon me how important and honorable the work he and his fellow firefighters do there is.

It was a great way to spend Christmas eve and really reminded me that this is the time of year to be selfless and giving.

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