Wishes do come true. Just ask Aaron Gustafson, 20, who according to his support worker Wayne Lockyer, “eats, sleeps and dreams firemen.”
Gustafson received a visit from Powell River Fire Rescue on Wednesday, May 15, and was given his very own firefighter’s helmet, jacket, gloves and T-shirt.
“He’s a firefighter buff,” said Lockyer. “One of his goals is to become a fireman.”
Gustafson uses a tablet-like computer to speak, but when he saw the firefighters coming up the driveway he was so excited that he just spoke using his own voice. “Thank you,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Gustafson has visited the fire hall on many occasions to see the new engines and other equipment there, said Lockyer.
Last week Lockyer was told that the firefighters were coming to present Gustafson with the gear. “I just knew that this would make his day,” he said. “He’ll remember this years from now, of that I’m sure.”
Sheila Rogge works at Powell River Association for Community Living (PRACL) and after hearing about how interested Gustafson was in the fire service, she asked her son, firefighter Brad Collicutt, if there was anything that could be done to help. From there the secret visit was set up.
“Part of being a firefighter is helping out in the community,” said Captain Tom Baker. “[Aaron] is a real supporter of the fire department, so we wanted to come and show our support for him and for all the great work PRACL does in the community.”
When the firefighters left they turned on the truck’s lights and sirens for Gustafson. After going inside, he did not want to take off his new coat and hat.
