Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 22/06/2009 15:07

Orange watch at Bodmin Community Fire Station has stepped in to make a dream come true for 7 year old Max.

Max has a keen interest in the fire service and was delighted to be put in charge of some of the training drills undertaken by firefighters.

Max has limited speech and movement but was able to make decisions and give orders as firefighter Andi Sleeman narrated the scene and gave Max options on what should happen next.

Watch Manager Dave Hollyoak said: “Max’s obvious enjoyment of being in charge really urged the crew on to go all out in the midday sunshine to put on a good show”.

Max watched as the crew carried out a car cutting demonstration and was given the car keys as a memento of the occasion.

Firefighter James Marks commented: “The day was not only good for Max and his carers but it was very rewarding for the watch to help someone who faces a monumental struggle to do the simplest of things that we take for granted. He was waved off the station with a fire service teddy bear and a beaming smile and we would welcome him back for similar days in the future”.

The visit was arranged by Melanie Coffee, Community Support Team Manager from Cornwall Council’s Children, Schools and Families who said: “The Community Support Team would like to extend a big thank you to the community fire service for providing Max with such a fantastic day. It has been a dream for Max for some time now to be a fireman and this dream was realized when he spent the day with orange watch.”

Max’s mother Penny said: “Max very much enjoyed his time at the fire station and we were very impressed with the activities undertaken - once again thank you very much”.