Team Hunter visits The Fire Critic…Infects us All!

You might remember Captain Wines posting an article on a little guy who lives near us named Hunter Moseley. You can read it here.

Check out Team Hunter on Facebook

Baron, Hunter’s father, contacted Willie and I a while back and told us that Hunter is a huge fan of firefighters. Once Hunter had his day with Captain Wines and the rest of E13 C-shift, I invited them to a special spot. I invited them down to Historic Firehouse #1 in downtown Roanoke. The Firehouse has a lot of meaning for many of us. Captain Wines father worked their for years (I never got the opportunity). As it turns out, Baron’s grandfather worked there as well. Aubrey McGeorge was his name. He retired as a Captain in the early 80’s. Baron can remember hanging out at the firehouse as a young boy.

Over the phone, Baron and I decided to take a trip to Firehouse #1 and then to have a cookout at his house. My wife was out of town, so it was Preston and I hanging out with the Moseley family (Baron, Hunter, and Carolyn). Carolyn is Hunters big sister.

Remember, Preston and I had never met any of them before. We met them at #1. I opened up the firehouse and the neatest thing happened. As we were getting to know each other, some other people poked their heads up to the window. I invited them in to show them around.

Over the next couple of hours, Preston and I swapped places a couple of times showing the Moseley’s around and showing others around. Preston has been down there with me numerous times and can give a nickel tour with his eyes closed. That was pretty neat.

Hunter is shy…and so is Carolyn.

We wrapped up our tour. Baron probably took hundreds of photos…as did the other people touring the firehouse.

We ended the night at the Moseley’s house for a great meal.

Fast forward two weeks.

The Moseley family stopped by Firehouse #3 on A-shift so we could show Hunter and Carolyn around. We gave them the nickel tour, fed them breakfast, and gave Hunter one of the books. The book is “Firefighting in Roanoke”, a book I wrote on the history of my department. Hunter wouldn’t put it down.

Nate Camfiord also joined us. Nate is amazing behind the camera and is able to capture some great images of firefighters lives. An introspect only acquired by a former firefighter.

We had a great time at the firehouse that day. Baron was hoping to have the “Team Hunter” shirts with him, but they got lost in the mail.

Fast forward a couple of days and Baron (with Hunter and Carolyn in tow) stopped back by the station to share the “Team Hunter” shirts. The shirts are fresh off the press from our friends at Crosstitched.

You might be asking “what is Team Hunter exactly”?

Team Hunter is not really a “movement” so much as it is a family. Hunter has cerebral palsy. It has just been recently diagnosed and Baron and the rest of the family are dealing with it as best as they can. You can’t really tell that Hunter is ailed by anything. He has an electrifying smile that lights up the room.  He is very shy and has really only said a handful of words to me over the time we have spent together.

And so begins “Team Hunter”. We will see where it takes us from here!

I wrote this post several weeks ago. I am just now getting around to posting it. If you are following along on Facebook, you will see that Team Hunter is about to reach 1500 Fans on Facebook!

About Team Hunter:

The purpose of this page is to spread the word about my amazing child and his love, admiration and passion for what you all do, AND in doing so hopefully expand his “Fire Service Family” as far as possible! Nothing would make him happier!

Things that members of “Team Hunter” can do to show their support and truly warm his heart? Post pretty much ANYTHING related to the Fire Service on this page! Rig photos, crew photos or even just a simple “hello, Hunter” comment!

Check out Team Hunter on Facebook and share your photos or simply say hi!