While walking the exhibit halls during FDIC in Indianapolis, on Friday April 11, I ran upon a traffic jam. Not that this would not be uncommon, due to 30,000 Brothers ans Sisters attending this years conference. As I made my way trying to get around the gathering of people, I noticed a child that had a severe handicap and some health issues who was wheelchair bound. He was the reason for the holdup. So like any other person in that group I was curious if the child was ok or needed some type of assistance. After a quick survey, the child seemed to be doing fine; the Brothers and Sisters were just talking with the youngster.

 

You see this little guy has had a rough life in the few short years that he has been graced to be on God's (who ever your God is) green Earth. As I got a little closer, I noticed several Fire Department patches were attached to the front of his wheelchair; a couple more were on a small desk top. I asked a lady (his nurse) who was standing by his side if they collected patches and she replied yes, he loves firefighters and fire service memorabilia. So I asked if he comes from a family of firefighters. To my surprise the answer was no. You see some Brothers and Sisters from where this little guy lives took the time and effort to send him down to FDIC from South Bend, IN, just so he could be with the greatest bunch of people in the world. His mother made her way over to me and said they'd like to cover his room with FD patches and memorabilia one day.

 

So I ask of you to take 5 minutes of your busy day, grab an envelope and your local department patch. Put the patch inside with a little note for this little guy and send it off to him and his family.

 

Please send them to:

James Sipocz
26700 Darden Rd
South Bend IN, 46628