Having been a teacher of young children at one point in my life, I know when occupations were discussed, there would always be those boys and girls that wanted to be a firefighter. It was always an exciting trip to visit the fire station, hear the siren and sit in the fire truck!

Over the July 4th weekend, our plans were to grill on our brand new gas grill and then go to the fireworks with my daughter’s family. However, the gas grill caught on fire, destroying the grill, the siding on the house and eaves, part of the patio, patio furniture and outside toys to name a few. We called 911 and within a few minutes, the fire truck arrived and the fire had been contained much to the relief of four adults.

My 2 ½-year-old grandson and year-old granddaughter knew instinctively that something ‘bad’ was going on. When we fled to the perimeter of the yard, my grandson who had been shaking, began clapping his hands and saying “Oh boy, the fire truck, the fire truck men! Oh boy!” And when all was safe and they began to leave, he thanked them and told them “Bye, fire truck men!” with the sincere relief and joy only a 2 ½ year old can have.

Thank you Andalusia firefighters, Joey Reeves and Shannon Kelley for your help. You may not think so, but there are 4 adults and two small children that think you are heroes.

Terry & Suzanne Powell

Cory & Katelyn Ellis,

Reid and Georgia Ellis