Page 56 of Cross Checks

We arrived on the scene to find plumes of smoke billowing from the second-story windows of a modest two-story house. Orange flames licked at the roof. The family stood huddled together on the sidewalk, clutching each other.

I walked up, offering words of encouragement. “Everything’s going to be alright. Is everybody out and accounted for?”

“Yes,” the mother said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“Any pets?”

“No. Please save our home.”

“I promise that we’ll do everything we can.” I watched the crew springing into action, unrolling massive fire hoses and working like a well-oiled machine.

“Water on the fire,” Chief Newton barked out.

“Teddy bear…where’s the teddy bear?” I muttered to myself as the crew continued to work to contain the flames. Finally, I spotted it among our equipment in the truck and grabbed it.

I approached the terrified family and held the teddy bear out to a little girl with wide, frightened eyes. Crouching down, I said, “Hi. This little guy here is named Blaze. He’s a brave little firefighter just like us, and he’s here to help make sure your house will be okay.” I held the bear out to her.

She hesitated for a moment before taking the bear from my hands and holding him tight to her chest. Her mom looked at me through glassy, tear-filled eyes and mouthed silently, “Thank you.”

“Just make sure you all stay behind the truck, okay?”

“Roof vented, Chief!” Lyle’s gruff voice rang out over the crackling fire.

“Great job, men,” I called back. “Let’s keep pushing.”

The guys fought tirelessly, and they managed to turn the corner on the flames. When the team extinguished the last glowing ember, I looked over at the family and saw expressions of relief.

I spoke to the father. “I can’t give a professional opinion about the damage, but from what I’ve seen in the past, I think they’ll be able to salvage the house.”

His voice broke with emotion as he said, “That’s the only good news today, but thank you.”

I surveyed the soot-streaked, exhausted team as we packed our gear to leave the fire scene. My heart was full of pride and nostalgia. These guys had been at my side for years, and they shaped the man I’d become.

“Hey, Hank,” Lyle called out. “You know we’re gonna miss you on calls like this.”

“I’ll miss you guys, too.” My breath caught in my throat. “It’s hard saying goodbye, but sometimes, when you follow your heart, you have to leave behind some of the things you love.”

“He’s a wise man,” Chief Newton insisted. “All of you should pay attention. I fully support his decisions, and he deserves all our support.”

The drive back to the station passed in a blur. I thought about Chase and the life we were building together. As I looked out the truck's windows, I watched familiar streets roll by. Within a few years, I might look at streets in Florida with the same sense of comfort.

At the end of the day, Lyle asked Chief Newton for permission to leave a skeleton crew at the station and have the rest of the team take me out for a drink. “We’ve got something big to celebrate,” he insisted. “And we’ll have to organize a goodbye party next week.”

The guys were always enthusiastic to go out as a group. Lyle wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a giant squeeze.

“You know, you have two families, Hank. Not many are lucky enough to have that, but we’ll always be part of your family wherever you go.”

I chuckled, feeling grateful for the bond we all shared. They were indeed my brothers. “Let’s go grace those drinks,” I suggested.

It was a short walk from the firehouse to Lou’s. It was bustling when we arrived. We’d only been there for minutes when I heard Chase’s name. They were already talking about his NHL call-up.

We claimed a large table near the rear and settled in with rounds of ice-cold beers. “Think you’ll be able to handle the Florida heat?” Mike asked me. “You don’t need a jacket in the summertime.”

I laughed. “I think I’ll have to manage even though there is a limit to how many things you can take off to stay cool.”

As if on cue, Chase entered the bar, and he was greeted as a conquering hero. Cheers rose and rattled the old bar’s foundation. He scanned the room while he received rounds of high-fives and claps on the back.

Finally, our eyes met, and he walked over, pulling up a hair at our table. The firehouse crew applauded him and raised their beer bottles in salute.

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