Answering the call

For most of his life, Victor Parker has wanted to become a firefighter. While he may never have the chance to put out a raging blaze or rescue someone injured in a traffic accident, Victor has been able to get close and personal with the brave, dedicated men and women he admires.

Ronelle Penhollow, Victor's Service Coordinator at The Resource Center, contacted the Celoron Hose Company about Victor's interest in firefighters. The Fire Company offered to have Victor come to the station every Tuesday evening while the members conduct their weekly drills.

Victor was thrilled, and each week he is excited about his visit. "As soon as dinner's over, he's got his coat and hat out, ready to go," said Jason Lutgen, Assistant Residence Manager of TRC’s "Randall" home in West Ellicott, where Victor lives.
Once at the station, Victor is treated as a member of the Fire Company. He helps with vehicle checks and assists with the department's Junior Adventure Program, said Carrie Ennis, a member of the Celoron Hose Company. “We try to include him in everything we do,” said Carrie. "He's a lot of help. We all enjoy having him here."

Proudly holding his always-present emergency radio, Victor tries on a firefighting uniform.

On a recent Tuesday evening, Victor’s focus was on the Fire Company’s new engine. He walked around the large, shiny vehicle, admiring every aspect. “Pretty sharp,” Victor said approvingly, patting the engine. At the urging of Terry Schrecongost, a member of the Fire Company, Victor climbed into the engine’s cab and, with a huge smile on his face, inspected all of the controls – including the emergency lights.

“He asks us questions. He’s pretty interested,” Terry said. “He says `hi’ to everyone.”

Indeed, as the Fire Company’s members went about their drills, most stopped to share a few words with Victor.

Victor has idolized firefighters for as long as he can remember. (Ronelle says Victor has family members who were firefighters.) He always carries with him his radio scanner so he can listen in on emergency calls.

“I know about fires and car accidents before they’re in the paper,” he says with pride.

Victor poses with members of Celoron Hose Company.


Victor’s dream, of course, is to become a firefighter, but that requires a lot of studying and training. Barring that, he’d like to accompany Fire Company members on fire and rescue calls, but that may not be possible due to liability concerns. Victor has, however, gotten to ride in the vehicles when the Fire Company has them outside to be cleaned, and it’s possible that in the event of a prolonged emergency call such as a tough blaze, that Victor could work alongside the Fire Company’s auxiliary in providing refreshments for firefighters, Ronelle said.

In the meantime, Victor is content with his weekly visits to the station, spending time with the men and women who risk their own safety to rescue us when needed.

“That’s all he talks about,” Ronelle said of Victor’s trips to the fire hall. “He absolutely loves it.”

She praised the Celoron Hose Company for its willingness to take Victor into the fold, adding that the entire village treats people with disabilities with respect. “Celoron is very aware of our consumers,” she said. “The community is very accepting of them.”







Victor sits behind the wheel of the Fire Department’s new engine.

Comment

Many people with disabilities are unable to fully participate in community life because they lack transportation. For these people, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation have established a program whereby individuals with disabilities can obtain vouchers that can be redeemed for cab rides. But the need for transportation is greater than the money available for vouchers. If you would like to make a monetary gift to help provide transportation vouchers for people with disabilities, click here