Wakefield Country Day School would like to honor our WCDS family members -- alumni and parents -- who are out there battling on the front-line during this unprecedented COVID19 global pandemic.
Driving like Mario Andretti, but in a 50,000 pound truck, through DC's infamous Ward 8, is all in a day's work for this dad. In this second of our four-part series, Wakefield Country Day School would like to give a big Red & White thank you to Michael Loving, Jr., of Rixeyville, Virginia.
Mr. Loving is a 25-year veteran of the fire department. 15-years with Washington, D.C., Engine Company 25 on MLK Jr. Avenue, SE, in Congress Heights. Father to three WCDS students, ranging in ages from 3 to 7, Mr. Loving makes his way from the foothills of Virginia to Southeast, D.C., multiple times a week, to spend 24-hour shifts as a Wagon Driver.
Considered one of the most crucial functions that any firefighter is called on to perform, the fire-apparatus driver is critical, because without a competent driver, getting to the right place and in the best position is near impossible.
As a child Michael was fascinated by fire. A strong athlete, he played sports and loved the camaraderie of being part of team. As he got older, he developed a desire to help people and found his calling.
"Engine Company 25 is considered an aggressive fire department; we do around 15-25 runs every 24-hours. Everything from stabbings, shootings, and heart attacks to house fires. I still get an adrenaline rush heading out the door," says Michael. "And during this pandemic, there's an added level of stress. Where a lot of the world has closed down, here in Southeast Washington it's business as usual. We also have a psychiatric facility and three homeless shelters in the area so there are additional challenges. We've made a few changes though; we wear PPE, masks around the firehouse, totally encapsulated suits. But I love it -- there is a brotherhood working as a firefighter, especially at this department."
Thank you, Mr. Loving, for your service to our country. Go Owls!
This article was featured in the Rappahannock News.