As the 25 th Annual Great Fire Engine Rally quickly approaches, we had an opportunity to speak with one of the attendees of the 1 st Rally in 1983.   Dan Hill, a second-generation firefighter with the City of St. Louis, sat down with us to share his experiences:

Q:   How old were you when you attended the first rally?

A:   I was 6 years old and the rally was at the Jefferson Memorial in Forest Park.

Q:   Who took you?

A:   My parents, Joan and Bill Hill.

Q:   What do you remember most about the 1 st Rally?

A:   Seeing all the fire trucks.   The tiller trucks were my favorite.

Q:   What was your favorite part about the rally?

A:   The Firefighter Challenges are always exciting.  And it's a safe way for kids to see firemen in action.

Q:   How long was your father a firefighter?

A :   My Dad was a St. Louis Fire Fighter for 39 years.  He retired as Captain of Rescue Squad 2 in 2001.

Q:   What made you want to become a firefighter?

A:   My Dad had a big influence on me wanting to become a firefighter .  He always seemed to love being a firefighter and I loved hearing his stories about his experience on the job.  So it seemed like the perfect choice to follow in his footsteps.

Q:   What do you like most about being a firefighter?

A:   Obviously helping people is number 1.   Also the appreciation people have for firefighters makes me feel good about what I do.  I also like the physical part of the job whether it's being on the tip, dragging line, or pulling ceiling. It's all very satisfying.

Q:   Do you have any nicknames around the firehouse like Dan "The Thrill" Hill?

A:   No, at least none that I'd like to repeat.  The ones I try to give myself don't seem to stick.

Q:   Would you want your children to become firefighters?

A:   Absolutely, it's a very fulfilling line of work.

Q:   What is an interesting fact that few people know about you?

A:   Before becoming a firefighter, I took care of the horses for the Police Department's Mounted Patrol in Forest Park.

            We want to thank Dan for taking the time to talk with us.   We hope you enjoyed the interview and hope to see you at the 25 th Annual Great Fire Engine Rally below the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri on September 6, 2008.   Stay safe and God Bless!