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By Sheila Talley
 What happens when 15 career firefighters, 30 volunteer firefighters and one young man with Down Syndrome form a team? At Chickahominy Hanover Fire Station #10 this combination earned more than $140,000 and recognition from Virginia and beyond.
At first glance, the dedicated folks at Station 10 seem pretty much the same as most firefighters…men and women who are distinguished by courage, nobility and strength. But, one Hanover mom, Winnie Southworth, has a very special place in her heart for the guys of Station 10. She feels strongly that they are true heroes, who go beyond the call of duty because of the way her son, Mark, was accepted into the brotherhood at Station 10.
Mark Southworth has Down syndrome. About 8 years ago, he saw a TV show about another individual with Down syndrome who had the chance to go the firehouse and ride in the ambulance with his brother. Mark was adamant that he could be a firefighter. His sister, a paramedic, talked to some firefighters at a fire station near her job about having Mark visit. Everyone was nice, but things didn’t work out as hoped. Some time later, Mark and his family went to a Santa breakfast at Chickahominy Station 10, and the team there really clicked with him. He was invited to join their association if arrangements could be worked out. After that, everything fell into place.
“It worked here because the men were prepared and committed,” says Steve DeLuca, a volunteer firefighter and vice-president of Station 10. “Some of the leaders read books about how to interact with a person who has a disability.”
 Winnie Southworth was so impressed with the success of this arrangement that she entered the essay contest “Firedogs Across America,” sponsored by Circuit City. She told the story of her son, and how well he and the team get along. Out of 5,300 entries, Southworth’s essay was chosen among the 10 finalists. It was now up to the public to vote for a favorite. Local newspapers and e-mails urged people to vote for Station 10. The station became the grand prize winner and used the money toward replacing a 30-year-old emergency vehicle with a beautiful state-of-the-art vehicle, which will be used to benefit all of Hanover County.
A huge celebration was held at Station 10 on May 23, 2007. State Senator Ryan McDougal spoke, and Delegate Frank Hargrove, as well as many fire department and county dignitaries, were present. About 100 people from the community cheered when Mark, as a representative of Station 10, received the check.
While Mark doesn’t go out on runs, he does train with the crew, helps maintain the trucks, cleans, assists in setting up for birthday parties, and goes to dinner with his colleagues. He even plays Santa during the Christmas season when Station 10 sends their fire trucks out to ride through neighborhoods, spreading cheer.
“Mark brings a can-do attitude,” DeLuca says. “He raises the game of everyone in the department and is a true member of the team.”
To see a video of Mark accepting the prize check, you may go to web.firedog.com/acrossamerica.
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