Family Night at the Firehouse - Almost a bust

redchief wrote: Every year on the same Monday in September we have family night at the firehouse instead of the usual training night. It's done as a kind of thank you to the families for putting up without their SO's during the long, busy summers.

This year we had two air filled jumping gym type things (you know the ones you see at fairs). Anyway we rented two of them for the fire dept. members' kids. Most of the members and families had just arrived when the tones went out for a house fire in the next town. Me and about five others stayed behind at the firehouse to keep the wives and kids company while their dads went to the next town to fight a fire. We were just trying to figure out how to get all of the kids safely to the putt-putt course a few blocks from the firehouse when we heard that our trucks were released from the fire scene. Everyone got back in time to spend some time at group dinner and putt-putt, followed of course by a whole lot of ice-cream.

I figured there would be a lot of sad kids, but I was really surprised. A lot of them thought it was cool that they could be at the firehouse with the chief while their dads did their job. My guys have some awesome kids!!!

MommyToAshley replied: What a neat idea for the families. I am sorry the Dads got to miss some of the Family Night, but it sounds like their families are proud of them. And, I am sure the homeowner that had the fire was grateful. I guess this just puts into perspective how much firemen and their families sacrifice on a daily basis. But, there are many of us that are so thankful that you do.

And, besides, I bet the kids had a blast hanging out with you. How cool!

punkeemunkee'smom replied: I am glad it turned out well! Kids are pretty great about stuff like that especially when dad has such a cool job to do! Just think of all the stories that were told around the lunch tables today!..."and then my dad had to go fight a fire and I got to stay at the firehouse with the chief...!!!" Bet that made some of those kids' weeks!

redchief replied: Some of them tried to get me into one of those silly air filled trampolenes... First I told them I was too fat. The owner dimed me out though and told the kids I wasn't quite too fat. So then I told them I had to listen on the radio and make sure their dads didn't need any more help... It was only a little white lie... to protect my dignity.

punkeemunkee'smom replied:

We had one of those at Tay's birthday party-she got daddy on it and he was ready to passout in about 5 seconds flat!

redchief replied:
LOL... it's so nice to be understood.

MommyToAshley replied:
LOL!

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: What a wonderful idea. I remember when I was younger. My grampa was the county fire marshall. He almost never got to eat holiday dinners with the family. Thanks fire fighters!!

CantWait replied: Sounds like a fun time!!! Glad it was still a huge success.

mckayleesmom replied:
Party pooper

coasterqueen replied: Sounds like it was a great time! I think those kids should have ganged up on you and thrown you in there.

redchief replied:
Maybe, Brianne, but think of all the innocent children that were spared the sight of a "knows better" elder being placed in a medevac helicopter because he broke his fool neck.

luvbug00 replied: LOL Glad to hear you had Fun!! I always loved going to the station when I was a kid!! I'd be soo excited if the alrm went off!! ( after a prayer of course..I always say one when i hear a siren)

Kaitlin'smom replied: I always loved when we got to go see dad at work, he is a retired firefighter, I have a special place in my heart for them, my sis is an EMT, her Dh is training to be a firefighter, and the sitters DH is also one, I also have a few friends in the field.

redchief replied:
God bless them and my prayers for their safety today and every day.

3_call_me_mama replied: How cool:) The jobs liek those are tough and it's nice that you guys give time back to the families liek that:) Great idea

kimberley replied: awww that woulda been a sight!!!!!!! LOL

sounds like a day!