Saturday night we went to the Madison Fire Christmas Party. I have to admit, Bill had to drag me, I just haven't felt up to being very social the past couple of weeks. I am SO glad I went. Of course I forgot my camera. The evening started off with the presenting of colors by the color guard with the Madison Fire Pipe Brigade playing in the background. The brigade also played Little Drummer Boy. I always get the chills when they play. It is quite amazing.
They presented a few awards. One of them was employee of the year which went to Bill's captain on his shift. I am so grateful he was put with such remarkable to mentor him while he is doing his internship.
Then they gave out a national award given through the state called the life saving award/medal. It is given when an outstanding job is done to save a life. I recognized several of the names being called. Then I heard William Denos...I immediately knew what "call" it was. Several weeks ago a Hunter was shot at close range with a 12 gauge shot gun in the chest. It was a remote area and they had to find, treat, and carry the guy to a place a helicopter could pick him up. It was at night in a marshy/forested area. They didn't think the guy would live. But he was a miracle. William Hansen (the man they treated that night) was there in person to thank them. His brother was their also. My eyes welled up with tears and my heart was touched. It was amazing to see everything come full circle. The countless hours of training, the sacrifices families make so their husbands/wives can serve, and their lives they put on the line when they get a call. It's all worth it.
We ate dinner, watched videos that different shifts put together (they were hilarious by the way), exchanged white elephant gifts, and finished the night with some dancing. I'm so proud of my hubby and the people he serves with. What a fun night, I'm glad I didn't miss this one.
Picture taken with my cell phone. Bill receiving the award and shaking hands with the Chief and William Hansen.
The life saving award he received. Everyone that responded to that call got the award.
This is the link to the story about the hunter:
Here is the monster. 3 patties, 1lb each, bun, and all the fixings.
Let the games begin.
Not feeling so good. He's got the meat sweats.
Calling it quits.
In the end, the burger won. Colin got a consolation prize, we got his picture under the double. Since he ate equivalent to a double Big Jud.
Make a wish.
Sunday, we celebrated with my brothers and their wives. Wish we had a bigger place so we could fit more people in. It was crowded as it was.
I made him another cake but forgot to take pictures before I mutilated it with candles. haha.
It's the week before Christmas and like everyone else it becomes a little chaotic with party's, recitals, shopping, and baking. Plus, it's the week of finals for Bill and I. Needless to say my house has been a little neglected, normally I have to pull teeth to get the kids to help out. But today as I was trying to get stuff done, Ellie turned into a little worker bee and started cleaning up the living room, she cleared off our over sized ottoman, picked up, and vacuumed. Wow! I love when my kids just do things because they want to help out. She was so enthusiastic about it. Ellie's little act of service made my day.
Picture taken with my cell phone. Bill receiving the award and shaking hands with the Chief and William Hansen.
The life saving award he received. Everyone that responded to that call got the award.
