The last rays of Florida’s winter sun were receding in the winter sky when Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue Engine 103 and its four-person crew rolled on a humanitarian mission of a different sort. Instead of hurrying toward a burning building with lights flashing and siren blaring, this time the majestic pumper quietly wound its way through the byzantine streets of Lehigh Acres laden with Christmas presents.

Approaching a final turn, the characteristic red flashing lights came to life spreading their staccato red glow across the residential neighborhood.

Guided by the deft hand of its driver, the pumper truck slowed to a stop in front of a home where a wheelchair bound young boy, his father, his two sisters, his father’s significant other, and the boy’s grandparents waited.

A broad smile of recognition spread across the face of 10-year old Tommy Hotchkiss III’s face as Engine 103’s four firefighters disembarked each shouldering a Santa-like sack filled with gifts for Tommy and his family.

This, however, was no first introduction.

Rather it was a reunion for comrades in arms in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a crippling disease that was first diagnosed in Tommy when he was two years old.

Despite his familiarity with the firefighters, Tommy said, “This was a total surprise. This is awesome.”

“It’s amazing. Tommy and I go out there with them (the firefighters) for the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) ‘Boot Drive,'” Thomas J. Hotchkiss Jr., Tommy’s father, said. “Everything they do is amazing.”

According to Thomas Hotchkiss Jr. every dollar raised by the “Boot Drives” for MDA stays in Southwest, Florida. “The Southwest Florida MDA office uses the ‘Boot Drive’ donations to pay for summer camp, for adjustments to braces and wheelchairs, new seat cushions and new batteries,” he said.

Thomas Hotchkiss Jr. is a single father raising Tommy, his twin sister Chyanne and 6-year-old sister Melanie. He is raising the three children with the help of his partner Richelle Pritchard. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hotchkiss Sr., Tommy’s paternal grandparents were also on hand for the festivities.

After the greetings, Battalion Chief John Wayne presented Tommy with a special present from the firefighters. From a sack, Wayne produced a Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue helmet that quickly found its way onto to Tommy’s head.

According to Wayne, it wasn’t the first time Tommy has worn the unmistakable symbol of the firefighter, “When he wore a helmet at the ‘Boot Drive,’ Tommy didn’t take it off for an hour.”

In addition to the helmet and an array of other neatly wrapped gifts, Wayne and the other firefighters presented Tommy with a full set of “turn out gear.”

With presents distributed, it was time for a ride in Engine 103. With his helmet perched on his head, Tommy was helped into the backseat of the cab by Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians Kenny McDonald and Willie Adarno.

After Adarno fastened Tommy’s seatbelt, they together with the other members of Engine 103’s crew, Fire Lt. Dale Pinhiero and Engineer/Paramedic Brooke Ricciardi, were off for a few turns up and down the block with lights flashing and the bell sounding.

Firefighters Gave More to the Community

The firefighters of the Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District also supported three other giving campaigns.

“We are people that care,” Ricciardi, coordinated the giving efforts, said, “It’s part of who we are. People that genuinely care.”

According to Ricciardi, each of the three shifts adopted a family.

“Publix donated the turkeys, Terry (Fire Lt. Terry Dettmar) bought all the fixins, and the firefighters chipped in for the presents,” Ricciardi said.

While this is the first time each shift has adopted a family, Ricciardi said it won’t be the last and they are hoping the program will grow.

“Maybe next year each shift can adopt two families,” Ricciardi said, “We’re hoping to start a fund so employees can donate throughout the year to these Christmas giving programs.”

When Rae Nicely of Lehigh Community Services wanted books for Christmas presents, the firefighters donated 300. .

Lehigh Acres Fire Commissioner Linda Carter asked the firefighters for cash to help purchase toys for special needs children and they donated more than $350.

CAPTIONS WITH STORY AT RIGHT:

Ten year old Tommy Hotchkiss checks out his new Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue helmet

Battalion Chief John Wayne trying on Tommy Hotchkiss’ new Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue Helmet

Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Willie Adarno straps checks Tommy Hotchkiss’ seatbelt before going on ride in Engine 103.

Some of the presents donated by the firefighters of Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue. ALL PHOTOS BY RICK RAMOS