Let’s start at the beginning.
This past spring, Theo saw that the Dayton Fire Department was hiring. Now, the DFD only accepts applications every few years. They usually end up getting over 500 applications, and they just hold on to those and will give calls to people who have applied if they have an open position. So we were weren’t convinced that Theo would get the job, and even if he submitted his application, we knew that there could be a few years before he got a call.
To our great surprise, his application was accepted and he had several interviews. After interviewing, he had to sign a lot of papers, and after being “officially” hired in late June, he still had to go through an intensive 6 week training course. This course took place every day from 7-4 and involved physical, emotional and mental stamina.
This past Thursday night was Theo’s graduation from that 6 week training course. His new position as an EMT for the DFD starts later this week. Throughout his 6 weeks, Theo did such an excellent job of balancing family life and work. I’m so proud of all the hard work he put in, all the hours of studying and waking up early and sacrificing his own time to do things for me. I’m proud of how he upheld his Christian standards and did everything with excellence. I’m proud that he physically was above and beyond almost all the other students. They took several physical tests and Theo was always the first/fastest/strongest. He works hard and has a mean competitive streak!!
I took a bunch of pictures (surprise, surprise) so feel free to feel like you were there!
Theo’s class…
I love this picture of Tera. It looks like she is sitting all peaceful and quiet. Just watching Daddy graduate without making a peep. Har har har har har. #ifonly. She is getting to the age that it’s difficult to go out in a public setting where she has to sit still.
The ceremony was short and sweet with a few short speeches then the presentation of certificate and firefighter helmet.
(Sidenote: Theo is an EMT for the fire department. When a person calls 911, he will be in the ambulance that responds, not the fire truck. However, there might be instances when BOTH an ambulance and a fire truck respond to a fire. In that case, he has fire gear, but he is still not a firefighter. Yet.)
Theo had to walk around the back of the room after gettting his certificate. I was so excited to snap a picture of his smiling face…….
Thanks, dude.
Congrats!!!
Little family
We are so thankful that Pastor Paul and Jill came to the ceremony. It is wonderful to be supported by our church family and to know that they are behind us in so many of the decisions that we make.
So proud of my Theo!! My very own man in uniform!
Stud!
Hard earned badges!
When we got home, the sun was just setting and the lighting was perfect for taking some pictures.
Tera loved the shiny badges!
Daddy and his little goober…
Kisses!
Standing tall! But no steps yet!
Little mini.
She refused to give me kisses! Only kisses for Daddy, apparently!
And that sums up Theo’s graduation night. He has a few days off and then it’s back to 24 hour shifts. We are incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see where this job takes us!
It would not be complete without thanking God for this incredible opportunity, too. We are very aware that all glory must go to Him through the provision of this job. As with all things on this fallen earth, there will be toil in work, but we are thankful that this job will help us out more financially than the previous job that Theo held.