During today’s assignment, I had the chance to meet an amazing little boy and his wonderful family. Dougie, 5, has an inoperable brain tumor and with the help of Burlington Fire Department, got a very special surprise this 4th of July. He has always dreamed of becoming a fire fighter according to his family and he got to live out that dream on Friday at the Burlington Fire Department. Given his very own personalized, tiny turnout gear, he was sworn in and explored the department with all of the guys. He had the opportunity to see all of the trucks, try out a fire hose, and even ride in a truck during the town’s 4th of July parade. His parents, Angela and Rich, and Dougie’s brother and sister got to join in on the fun as well. It was a great experience to see the way this little boy’s face lit up as he got to see inside all of the trucks and was given his own firefighter’s jacket. As a side note, I will forgive him for trying to spray me and the other photographers with the fire hose since he was so cute. We will pretend it was an “accident”. Thank you, Dougie and your family for letting all of us join you today. Also, great job by the Burlington Fire Department for everything they did.
A fund to help Dougie and his family cover treatments and other medical expenses has been set up. Donations can be made at: Salem Five Bank Douglas Davis Fund, P.O. Box 2523, Woburn, Mass., 01888
Ayrika Lyndsay Photography 