He was proud of his role in the community, eager to serve in any capacity he could to ensure that everyone under his watch was safe and sound. It was the same thing that his father had done and Cal was not one to tarnish that name or reputation by squandering the role he had been given. You weren’t named Fire Chief, you had to be elected into the position and not just anyone was considered to fill the space. Before that he had served as a fireman and his dedication to the city had only grown as he took on new responsibilities.
The red fire engine was glistening against the overcast day. Winter was certainly upon them. Cal liked this time of year because it felt festive, alive, and people seemed to come together more willingly around the holiday season.
A good sized, cardboard vessel was within sight of those wandering by advertising it as a spot to donate toys, unused clothes, and canned goods to families in need. It wasn’t enough to be a fireman, you had to take on the needs of others in your community that might not have the means to survive. He had always loved that about his father - the man was giving, nurturing, even to strangers. Not the way his mother was, but that sense of duty was ever presence in anything he did.
It wasn’t uncommon for the station to host groups of children, families. They hosted special events designed to cater to young minds and encourage youth to take careers in public servant roles. While the two youngsters had prompted that nagging sensation, Cal had no found the pain enough to deter him from taking them around, setting them in one of the engines, letting them wear his helmet.
Hearing his name, Cal rose and pivoted slightly, glancing over a shoulder at the source of the voices. Instantly his lips broke into a grin and he turned around to face them. “Neal, Naomi,” he waved, greeting the kids. The woman with them was really what caught his attention - she was breathtaking, even with the dab of blue paint prominent against the blonde hue of her hair. For a second he was awestruck. That nagging in his head was tugging at him though and it was enough to find his rational ground again.