Speakers show kids how they save lives every day
Published: June 12, 2005
Ashton Vinluan is 3. For Christmas, he was the lucky recipient of a toy fire truck.
Saturday morning at Tree of Life, Ashton was able to play on a real fire engine during Hero Day.
“I like to play in it,” Ashton said of the regulation size fire engine. “It has a bigger ladder (than the toy engine he has).”
During a morning that was about giving children the opportunity to meet real life heroes, Tree of Life brought in a Marion firefighter, a Marion police officer and a soldier to talk to young children about what it means to be hero, and what heroes do on a daily basis.
“These are some people who are heroes,” said Tina Janofski, special events coordinator at Tree of Life Bookstore and Cafe. “Heroes are people who protect us.”
Janofski continued to tell the children throughout her introduction that anyone can be a hero, even the small children in the audience.
“Heroes are not always doing something strong or miraculous,” Janofski said. “It is our actions, all the things that we do that make us heroes.”
After her introduction, she allowed the three hero guests to speak about what they do that makes them a hero.
“Sometimes there are bad guys who want to hurt us so we go over seas to protect people,” said Lt. Victor Vinluan, Ashton’s father.
Vinluan, who has spent the past 16 years in the National Reserve, told the audience that even as a hero he gets scared.
“I pray when I get scared,” Vinluan said.
After Vinluan spoke, Marion Police Department officer Ben Caudell, Gas City, spoke about what he does in his job.
“When people have problems or are in trouble they call me and I come and help,” said Caudell, a four-year veteran of the department.
Caudell as well expressed that he too has been scared several times during his career.
“I ask for help when I am scared,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Marion firefighter Tony Fox was the final hero to speak, and he too spoke about what his job entails.
“I drive the truck and operate it to make sure it gets to the fire on time,” said Fox, an engineer, who has spent five years with the fire department.”
After each hero spoke, the children were able to sit in a police car and in the fire engine. They were also able to make the horns, sirens and flashing lights go off, which appeared to be the highlight of a very exciting morning.
“I love army guys,” said Kyle Swan, 4, Marion, who was dressed up as a pint-sized firefighter, complete with helmet.
Kyle like many of the other children expressed what they hoped to be when they grow up.
“I love firemen, I just like them,” Kyle said. “They get to go in fire trucks and rescue people.”
Added Ashton, “I want to be a fireman. When I grow up, I can drive like this,” he said as he pointed to the fire engine.
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