Travis is 12 and wants to be a fireman. What boy doesn't? Travis has Down syndrome, and lives in a small rural town in NSW. His Mum actively seeks opportunities for him to meet other kids with disabilities (often at some distance), and to be involved in everything the small local community has to offer.
A few weeks ago he managed a two day training course, along with the other cadets.
In the meantime, it is difficult to tell who is the most proud - Travis, with his new-found swagger, or his Mum.
Local kids join the local fire brigade as cadets, and undergo training. They are not allowed to fight actual fires until they are at least 16.
Travis recently became a cadet, and was hesitant to join in at first. But now he (and the others) have their uniforms, and his enthusiasm has sky-rocketed. He will wear his orange overalls for six months, and then the coveted two-piece fire suit.
A few weeks ago he managed a two day training course, along with the other cadets.He will learn the skills of firefighting at his own pace, and be supported along the way.
Will he ever fight a bushfire? No-one knows - but we do know that he has a place in his community, and the fire brigade is helping him to find it.
In the meantime, it is difficult to tell who is the most proud - Travis, with his new-found swagger, or his Mum.
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