Okay, so I know it’s the 10th, but six days ago I had a blast!
Recently, I interviewed the Battalion Chief at our local fire department in Colorado, for the 4th book in The O’Malley Men series about firefighter brother, Adam O’Malley.
“Rosie” as all the guys know him, invited me to come down to the station house before the parade started so I could get photos of the firefighters all dressed up in their dress uniforms, their pipe band, assorted support vehicles etc.
Just before they set off, he asked if I’d like to join the families of the firefighters in the march. Would I? You bet!
It was amazing being part of a July 4th parade, to see it from a different perspective from the spectators (as I’d done in the past).
The Fire Department always leads out the parade in Breckenridge and it was incredibly exciting to be sandwiched between the firefighters in front and the engines, ladder truck and other support vehicles behind.
Walking along, I had a couple of friends call out to me from the crowds lining Main Street – no doubt very surprised to see me there. But not nearly as surprised as my husband whose eyes popped out like saucers as I went by. “What are you doing there?” he called.
I shrugged and said, “Hey, they asked me!” I waved the American flag and continued on down Main Street, feeling a little surreal and incredibly privileged to be an Aussie marching in a 4th of July parade.
Unfortunately my camera conked out just as the parade started, but photographer Ken Papaleo captured some great shots for his website. There’s even one of me with Battalion Chief Rosenberger in the station house before the parade started.
http://xmarkstheshot.blogspot.com/
Until next time,
CC
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16 comments:
You and firefighters. I am soooo jealous!
How exciting, CC. And I think I can pick you out way in the background of one of the photos of the parade. Hope you got lots if background for Adam's story. although visiting firemen is never a hardship, is it?
Err, anonymous would be me...
You look pretty spiffy in your Lower 48 T-shirt, CC. Can't wait to read Adam's story!
Cheers,
Jan
Oh how cool CC. An Aussie in the midst of all those firemen. Like Cathleen said I am so jealous. :)
What fun, CC. A romance writer has a wonderful job, doesn't she? Imagine researching hunky firefighters in the name of research!
The parade looks wonderful, your friend is a brilliant photographer.
I hope Adam's story is coming along well.
Oh, how fun! I'm so glad you had the experience. :-)
Hope everyone is having a great Sunday
Cher :-)
Wait a minute...there are photos? Where? I want to see Catherine in the middle of all the firefighters and Keith with his eyes popping out.
Cathleen
LOL! Yes, there are photos, but you'll have to follow the link, Cathleen. The firefighter I'm with is the Battalion Chief in a kilt! But next time I'm there I'll make sure to get photos with lots of young, muscly ones, okay?
Louise, you must have amazing vision cos I shoudn't be in the crowd background somewhere, or maybe I am and I need the glasses!
He did take one of me while marching but as he as on his back at the time, I'm thinking my triple chins didn't make for a great shot. :-)
CCx
Hi Jan, I think you'll love Adam's story. It also has a dog rescue scene in it and we all know how fond of animals The O'Malley Men are!
er.. come to think of it, that didn't come out the way I meant... :-/
CC
Hi Eleni,
You too could write a fireman story and take advantage of all those lovely men! :-)
CC
Hiya Kandy, yes, we do have great jobs don't we? I'm a bit worried about Cathleen now deciding to write a fireman story of her own and hanging out at her local fire station! :-)
Adam's story is coming along a treat thanks. Hope to have him finished before Orlando!
Hi Cher,
Yep, there wonderful experiences never stop in Colorado!
I've now been invited along on their next big call-out so I can see how they fight fires first hand.
Hubba hubba!
CC
Looks like a fun time. As a Canadian, I've never been to a 4th of July parade. Canada doesn't make nearly as big a deal with our July 1st Canada Day celebrations :(
As for the fire fighters, they do make for some good inspiration!
WOW!!!! Sounds like heaps of fun Mum!!! I bet Dad was v. shocked and v. jealous!!!
Miss u
Xx
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