ARTESIA — A 5-year-old boy became an honorary member of the Artesia Fire Department Monday.
What kid doesn’t dream of being a police officer, a soldier, a cowboy, or some other hero? Garyn Usherwood dreams of being a firefighter and today his dream became a reality when Garyn became an Honorary Artesia Firefighter.
Firefighter Trainee Usherwood underwent intense fire and emergency medical training in the hot New Mexico heat Monday. He completed training on firefighter protective gear, fire hose, emergency medical treatment, and fire extinguisher training. “He worked hard and learned a lot about the duties of a firefighter.
If this is the profession he chooses when he gets older than the citizens of Artesia are very lucky”, said Fire Marshal James Abner.
Upon completion of his successful training Fire Chief JD Hummingbird pinned a badge on his shirt and declared him an Honorary Artesia Firefighter. During the ceremony Chief Hummingbird told him how important it is for firefighters to listen and respect their parents and teachers, to do his best, and to teach other how to respect fire and be fire safe.
The Artesia Fire Department, with the help of Garyn’s mother Mandi Usherwood, planned the surprise at the fire station. He has attended many community events and always makes sure he visits with the firefighters there. Last Halloween when other boys were dressing up as superheroes Garyn went trick-or-treating as an Artesia Firefighter. Garyn has become the department’s number one fan.
There is a lot of stress and pressure on firefighters. They are asked to help people with all types of emergencies, day and night; they are the ones people call when they are having the worse day of their lives. Knowing people appreciate them makes it all worth it.
“The story here is not about how Garyn was inspired by firefighters but rather how Garyn has inspired us”, stated Fire Marshal Abner!
