Big-hearted firefighters make Ethan's dream come true
Firefighters at Livingston Community Fire Station invited young Ethan Rowan and his family to join their crew after learning of Ethan's love of the fire service
Firefighters helped make a schoolboy's dream come true after inviting him to become a member of their crew for the day.
10-year-old Ethan Rowan is hugely passionate about firefighter life and was last week given the opportunity to rub shoulders with crews at Livingston Community Fire Station as part of a special day organised just for him.
Ethan, who has Down's Syndrome and attends the town's Ogilvie School Campus, enjoyed an unforgettable experience which saw him explore a fire appliance, receive a guided tour of the station - and even help crews with a simulated animal rescue.
Ethan's day was topped off with some firefighter themed gifts and a personalised certificate. The visit delighted Ethan and mum and dad, Lynne and Steven. Ethan's sister Lucie was also present.
Ethan is absolutely buzzing, we're all delighted
Speaking after the visit, Steven said: "Ethan is absolutely buzzing, we're all delighted.
"We didn't mention the visit to Ethan the night before it as he wouldn't have slept a wink. It was a lovely surprise for him.
"Ethan's love of the fire service is a fairly recent thing and now anytime he passes a fire station he points and says that's where he works.
"He's absolutely made up about the experience."
SFRS Crew Commander Theresa Penrice is a friend of the family and helped to organise the visit after she became aware of Ethan's wish.
She said: "Ethan loves the fire service and has been to the last couple of charity car washes we've held.
"This was an opportunity for us to give something back and it was a really nice experience for all of us.
"Everyone is really delighted that we were able to make Ethan's dream come true in this way."
SFRS Area Commander William Pollard is the Local Senior Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian.
He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Theresa and everyone involved in giving Ethan and his family an experience they will remember for years to come.
"I know Ethan has a real passion for the work of firefighters, so it was very apt that we were able to give him a direct insight into the role and into station life.
"Ethan is now a fully fledged member of the crew and we look forward to welcoming him back to the station in the near future."