FAIRBURN FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ENGINE 21 C SHIFT SAVES THE DAY!

On Monday, May 29th, Fairburn Fire Department’s C Shift Crew was dispatched to an unusual call. Engine 21 C Shift, which consisted of Battalion Chief McClennon Duncan III, Lieutenant David Evans, Firefighter Jeden Watson, Firefighter Jake Lackey and Firefighter Kyle Marshall, was dispatched to Duncan Park to assist a young lady with two young children. Upon arrival, C Shift met with the young lady who shared that while she was at the park taking Memorial Day weekend pictures on the pier with her children, her daughter dropped the car keys in the lake by accident. Stranded with no other options, she sought help from the Fire Department who assisted without hesitation. Fairburn E21 crew sprung into action and entered the lake in neck high water. After being submerged underwater for over an hour, Firefighter Jeden Watson stepped on her key and shouted out “I got it!” Surrounding citizens cheered with excitement and enthusiasm and the young lady and her family were beyond grateful.

A Note from Ms. Springer (Mother of the young children): After my toddler accidentally dropped our keys into the lake, I sat there with a 3-year-old and 8 month old for an hour trying to figure out the best retrieval options being that I am not a strong swimmer and I had two small children with me. I was finally able to reach the non-emergency line. The representative was kind and pleasant and decided to dispatch the Fairburn Fire Department. Upon arrival, Battalion Chief Duncan was the first to greet me and was very kind and approachable. He informed me that the team had never experienced an incident of this matter but assured me that they were up for the challenge. The team members joined him in a matter of minutes. They spent a significant amount of time and even used a magnet to find the keys.

I cannot give enough credit and gratefulness to these gentlemen. They could have easily spent time on an actual life-threatening emergency but instead took their time, used extreme patience and tact, and tenacity to help my family. They are the true definition of “get it done” and “make it happen.” They kept positive attitudes during the process and their interactions exude more family orientation as opposed to coworkers.

I am confident that in any situation, whether it be life threatening or non-emergency, that this is the team to see it through and get results. I’m glad to have my keys back but I’m more impressed with the group and how they hear, respect, and value one another in a time of action. Those attributes will help them continue to be the amazing force they are.

Thank you Shift C for all your hard work and diligence!

A Note from Battalion Chief Duncan: As a Battalion Chief and supervisor of this crew, assisting this family was one of my most rewarding and proudest moments. The young lady stated that the Fairburn Fire Department has high character employees and phenomenal leadership. The professionals on E21 crew yesterday outstandingly represented the City of Fairburn.