In the morning on July 9th, many members of the Fredericktown community came together to celebrate and honor Brad Porter. Brad is a Fredericktown native; he is known by almost everyone and loves to be involved in anything that’s going on in Fredericktown! Once he arrived, his dad pinned his new name tag onto his uniform.
Brad loves to go to the Homestead Restaurant, owned by Theresa and Frank, and they have welcomed into their establishment with open arms. While he’s there, he greets everyone that comes in and talks to anyone about their lives, and he shares what he’s been up to as well. Through many conversations with members of the Fredericktown Fire Department , Chief Scott Mast said, “You know how Brad is – he’s always asking you how you’re doing, what’s going on, that sort of thing. He knows I’m with the Fire Department so he’s always asking what’s going on with the Fire Department. Just one day the lightbulb went off and I knew this was what we were going to do.” If you want to watch the clip of Chief Mast telling Brad about this honor please click HERE.
Aside from talking to anyone he meets, Brad absolutely loves Elvis! Elvis’ long-lost brother was the Emcee of the ceremony and even sang a few songs. Before the official ceremony began, he said “I’ve had the privilege of entertaining for Brad’s birthday for the last 5 years – right Brad? And I’ll tell you, and I think Scott’s going to mention it today too, can you imagine if the whole world was filled with Brads? It’d be a better place to live, that’s for sure!”
Once the ceremony officially started, Mr. Gary McCutcheon escorted Brad as well as all the other Fredericktown Fire Fighters into the ceremony playing bagpipes, which is an important part of the history and tradition of fire service.
Chief Scott Mast started the presentation by explaining how special it is to become an honorary fire fighter, as they have only had one other in their history. He said, “Everyone knows Brad is a tremendous ambassador for our community. We know he is going to be a tremendous ambassador for us also. That’s the quality of a person we want involved in our Fire Department and Brad definitely fits the role for that.” He went on to talk about how his family is very proud of the person that he has become, and then said, “not only is your real family proud of you, but now your Fire Department Family is proud of you also and we are honored to call you our honorary fire fighter brother from now on.”
Following this speech, a prayer was led by Pastor Bailey, then the Star Spangled Banner was played and everyone did the Pledge of Allegiance. Elvis’ long-lost brother then picked back up and did a quick interview with Brad in which he said, “I’m thankful to have this family. And I’m proud of that” He is most looking forward to, “putting out fires!” and he’s not so excited to “wash the truck!” Then Elvis, Brad and the female fire fighters all performed “Burning Love”. Elvis then honored all the veterans that were present.
After all the performances were done, Brad was joined by his parents in doing the oath and receiving his badge. Chief Mast said, “You have one more job today – you need to put out a fire!” Brad geared up with his helmet and personalized jacket, loaded up into the fire truck with his fellow fire fighters and together they quickly put out a fire. “It’s official – Brad put out his first fire! What Brad doesn’t know, is there is another tradition in fire service, after putting out your first fire. Do you know what that is? You have to buy ice cream for everyone!”
Brad said, “Thank you to everyone for coming and for being a part of my life. I appreciate every one of you”
Brad excitedly took pictures in his new uniform with his family and friends. He was so proud to hang up his helmet and jacket in his own locker at the Fredericktown Community Fire Department.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support Brad and his family during this wonderful event! Also thank you to NBC4i for doing a wonderful segment, that can be found HERE.
