Firefighters – Austin, Texas

As is the tradition, during the 4th of July celebration, the local fire department leads the parade through the neighborhood to the park. With my sons all grown up, our family no longer partakes in the parade, which usually consists of kids with red, white, and blue decorations attached to bicycles and radio flyers, following the large fire truck.

We still go to the park, however, to meet the neighbors and get our fill of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I usually bring a camera to document the festivities. This year, I shot something different.

It’s rare that I post a picture on the same day that I make it. But given that it’s still the 4th of July, I figure it’s a fitting tribute to the brave firefighters that protect our city. This picture pre-empts my originally planned photograph for today, which while good, had no connection to this important U.S. holiday.

When another member of the crew joined, I stepped back and made this second photograph. The fire truck made for a great background and though you can’t appreciate it here, it was sparkling clean. I asked them “How often they wash the truck?” “Usually every day, as their shift starts”, they replied.

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