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9-year-old burn victim becomes honorary firefighter for a day

Owen Mahan was given a dress uniform and a firefighter’s helmet

By FireRescue1 Staff

CHICAGO — What was supposed to be another day at the doctor for Owen Mahan turned out to be much more magical.

CBS Chicago reported that Owen’s mother, Susan, loaded him up in the car and started the 3.5-hour journey from Indiana to Chicago. Instead of going to another doctor appointment, Owen, who was scalded over most his body seven years ago, ate lunch at Harry Caray’s and rode the Seadog speedboat and Navy Pier’s Ferris Wheel before he visited Chicago Fire Department Engine 78. He was named an honorary firefighter and got his very own uniform and helmet, and even cruised around on Engine 78 while radioing the 911 center.

“I loved it,” Owen said.

He may have only been firefighter for a day, but Asst. Deputy Fire Commissioner Tim Sampey said he had quite the aim with an extinguisher. When he took a shot at the hose, the water stream hit a fire hydrant outside the fire station, as well as his mom.

“I had some idea (of what was to happen), and this was so much more amazing than I ever dreamed,” Susan said. “They went over and above.”

Owen also received an Engine 78 stocking cap, a pin and a patch and a certificate signifying his honorary firefighter status.

“You’re one of us now,” Sampey told him.

Students from the Blaine School performed “Go Cubs Go” for Owen, and he closed out the day by heading across the street to sit in the dugout at Wrigley Field for a game.

Next month, Owen will endure his 50th surgery in seven years. His left leg will be amputated four inches below his knee, and his right leg was taken in February. Shriner’s Hospital Network is offering the surgery free of charge.

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