station #2...

i grew up in a very small town in piedmont north carolina called...



it was a safe place where my mom let us ride our bikes all over without fear or worry of anything, except childhood mischief.

we spent summers at the town pool, visited noah's dime store for chocolate covered peanuts, and bought 3 hamburgers or 4 hot dogs for a dollar at the dairy bar.

landis is still a small town, but as is the case with most towns, changes have taken place. many of them are for good - good of the people and the town. i guess it's called progress.

yesterday afternoon, i got to photograph progress.

the town was awarded a grant from the federal government to renovate their municipal facilities - mainly the fire department. they also were able to purchase a new fire truck to provide better service to residents.



lots of important political folks showed up - senators, mayors, alderman, state representatives, etc.










while it was wonderful to see all of them and document what they helped accomplish for this little town, my attention kept coming back to a certain group of men and women...

the volunteer firefighters and their families.
























without them, that new building and that new truck don't mean much.

their time and selflessness bring it to life.
they bring life and help to those they serve.

and they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.



people like them are the reason that this small town is still a nice place to raise a family.

so, on behalf of all the moms and all the bike riding kids out there and any potential future firefighters...



- thanks guys! enjoy your new place!