TERRYTOWN, La. — A firefighter made a sick 7-year-old boy an honorary operator in recognition of his efforts to help others while facing extreme personal adversity.
Nola.com reported that firefighter Matt Ducote with the Terrytown Fire Department, was in attendance for the Kidd’s Kids Golf Tournament and saw 7-year-old Rowan Windham operating a remote-control fire dog as an amusement for the children there.
Rowan — who was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Schwachmann-Diamond Syndrome, which affects the blood, bone marrow, digestive and immune systems — had collected $5,000 from a lemonade stand that he wanted to donate during the tournament, according to the report.
Firefighter Ducote was in awe of Rowan’s positive attitude and strength and wanted to do something special for him. He called in a favor from his chief and got the OK to allow Rowan a ride in the fire truck — which left him grinning from ear to ear, according to the report.
“I know people think of firemen as heroes, but this kid was so sick and so brave. He puts others before himself and raised all that money for a meaningful cause. I find that amazing, and to me that is what makes a real hero. Rowan is my hero,” Ducote said.
Firefighter Ducote also gave Rowan his helmet for his courage and generosity. Rowan’s mom said she can barely get him to take the helmet off, even for bath and bed times, according to the report.