The Golden Gate Firefighters were surprised at their meeting on September 17th. Tami Lahey, an eleven year old baton twirler that the GGFF's helped sponser to get to the Junior Olympics in Detroit, Michigan showed up unannounced bearing gifts and great news.
First, Tami gave them an autographed photo of herself on the Junior Olympic podium receiving the Gold Medal... autographed, of course which brought laughs and applause from the Firefighters. Next, Tami took out a marble placque and read it's insciption....
"To My Heroes, the Golden Gate Estates Firefighters. Thank you for all you do to protect us and for helping me bring back the Gold for Naples, FL. This Gold's for you! Tami Lahey, 2008 Junior Olympic Gold Medalist"
The Firefighters were thrilled with Tami's wins. Tami won 2 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 1 Copper Medal.
Tami also left refrigerator magnets and pens sporting her name and Junior Olympic Gold Medalist for the Firefighters.
"Our Firefighters are so awesome" Tami said. "They do so much for all of us and want nothing in return. We always expect them to be there when we need them and it seems to me, they don't get the recognition that they deserve. They didn't know me, but they helped me get to the Junior Olympics... and I won! My wins are their wins too."
Tami encourages everyone to think about what it would be like... if we didn't have Firefighters. "That would make people realize how lucky we are to have such dedicated Firefighters protecting everyone and their homes. And think about it" she continues, "when you call for First Aid, the Firefighters are there first! The Firefighters are usually the first aid you will ever get"! She means no disrespect to the First Aid Squads. "It's just how it works".
"The Golden Gate Firefighters are such absolute heroes. I just think everyone should realize how awesome they are".
Tami is the Captain of Naples Sunsation and a member of Baton Twirling Unlimited. You may view some of her performances on www.sunsationtwirlers.com .