Honorary firefighters – Mapleton Fire Chief Rick Richardson promised three-year-old leukemia patient Evan Conway of Drayton a ride on a fire truck after he completed leg treatments at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton. ABOVE LEFT: Richardson, right, with assistance from firefighter Jim Richardson, centre, fulfilled that promise on July 29. Conway, along with his brother Cody, sister Olivia and mother Maggie toured the streets of Drayton in a fire truck and became honorary firefighters. All three children took turns riding in the front seat and activated the sirens and horns. TOP RIGHT: Back at the fire station, they watched the ladders dismount automatically from the roof of the truck and lighting mounted on the cab of the truck move into position. BOTTOM RIGHT: Inside the fire hall, the children were outfitted in firefighter uniforms. When asked what he thought about this adventure, Evan Conway said, “Let’s go again.” Chief Richardson said, “It was a pleasure to have the Conway family at the fire station for the day. I know how much Evan likes fire trucks and firefighters, so I knew this would be a good thing to do. People see firefighters as heroes but Evan is my hero.” photos by Caroline Sealey
