CHARLES WERNER
Charlottesville Fire Department
Photo Courtesy Charlottesville FD
"When we start to slow a little, we are inspired by wellwishers and
even more so when we arrive at the next fire station," Drew Robb said.
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Thursday evening was not the normal evening. An engine had left earlier in
the day to meet the FDNY "Thank You America" Bike Tour and escort them into
Charlottesville, Virginia. There was much anticipation from the
firefighters as they were very much excited to meet and welcome their fellow
firefighters from FDNY. Shortly before 7 p.m., the five firefighters from
FDNY literally rode into the Charlottesville Fire Headquarters where they
were greeted by the Mayor, City Manager, Fire Chief and International Fire
Chief's Treasurer Julian Taliaferro along with many firefighters from the
Charlottesville region. There were many hugs and smiles.
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While these guys were obviously tired it never diminished their enthusiasm
and appreciation for the hospitality that they have been experiencing
throughout their entire journey. After making their way around the crowd of
wellwishers, they were hosted by the Charlottesville Fire Department to an
old fashioned spaghetti dinner. For hours firefighters from FDNY and CFD
shared war stories, there was much laughter and the bond between the
firefighters was obvious. There were times when stories from Ground Zero
caused firefighters to pause in silence with respect for those that lost
their lives.
Madison Spencer, a local architect, designed a memorial plaque for the
members of Engine 33, Ladder 9 that will be placed in their station once all
of the names of the firefighters from that station are added. Mr. Spencer
said, "We want them to know how much we care and we wanted to do something
that would display respect for America's Bravest who gave their lives to
save so many others."
Each of the FDNY firefighters could not say enough about the reception along
the way. Danny Rowan said, "We don't know how everyone knows but everyone
seems to know that we are coming. People are waving along the way and a fire
engine escort from location to location has been a common lead." Drew Robb
said, "When we start to slow a little, we are inspired by wellwishers and
even more so when we arrive at the next fire station." Their goal is to
visit at least 100 fire departments along the way.
After hours of conversation, good food and laughter, FDNY firefighters got a
chance to shower and sleep. Many did not go to sleep until well after
midnight - "typical firefighters".
Photo Courtesy Charlottesville FD
FDNY bikers head off to Lynchburg, VA.
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The morning brought on another CFD shift with a whole new group of
firefighters anxious to meet their FDNY counterparts. FDNY firefighters
were welcomed with a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, toast
and orange juice which was provided by Charlottesville Professional
Firefighters Local 2363. All of the FDNY firefighters expressed that they
are so appreciative of the reception everywhere and that they had truly
experienced southern hospitality at its best. Dan Rowan said, "We have been
treated so wonderfully, received so many gifts that we are going to have to
go on another bike tour as a "Thank You" to the "Thank You America" trip.
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