Every year the Fire Department donates fire truck rides to to schools as an item to be auctioned off by local charities. Last Fall the Payne family bid on and won such a ride. According to Monica Payne her kids wanted to wait until their dad came home from Iraq to take the ride to school.
Well, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Payne returned home recently from his duties in Iraq and went along on the ride with his children; Emory Payne (8) Grade 2; Walker Payne (8) Grade 2; and Jackson Payne (7-on Thursday, which is his birthday) Grade 1. All arrived safely (Thanks to the stellar driving of Fire Inspector Chuck Schaitberger) and to a waiting crowd of teachers and students at Eden Lake Elementary School. Mostly our duties at the Fire Department are enjoyable, and this was an exceptional version of that kind of a day.
Below is a picture of the Paynes before they left their house for the trip to school. As you can see, the Payne family is about to add another family member soon. Also pictured is the reception given to the Paynes on their arrival at Eden Lake School.
