Ben Benton, Daily Post-Athenian
The FDNY cyclists pass through the town of Niota, TN on their
way to a night in Athens.
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Six of New York’s Bravest, along with their support crew rolled into our
small city of Athens, TN, Friday afternoon, Nov. 23.
We met them at the city limits and escorted them to Fire Station 2. People
along the way waved and blew their horns and flashed their lights which made
us proud!
When they got to Station 2, there were three different news crews and a huge
crowd of firefighters and other folks waiting for them. These guys were
tired, but they began giving interviews to the media and shaking hands.
Later on that evening, we took the guys and their support group to the local
hospital where they met with the night shift of nurses, doctors and
cafeteria staff. The staff at the hospital had made up little gifts for each
of the guys. Then the guys went around to some of the wings and met some of
the patients including a young teenage boy who seemed to really like seeing
them.
Then it was back to the station and steak dinners for all. After dinner,
more people, including some firefighters from Georgia stopped by to visit
with the guys. Again, they shook every hand and signed a lot of stuff.
Finally, everyone left and the guys were able to sit down and relax, take
hot showers, and wash some clothes.
After a light breakfast, the guys took off for Chattanooga. We escorted them
to the city limits and another escort picked them up. These guys are our
brother firefighters and we wish them well along the way. It was a special
time for the Athens Fire Department, one we will not forget.
Related:
• Daily Post-Athenian
• Knoxville Hosts FDNY Thank You America Tour
• "Thank You America" Heads To TN
• Official Tour Web Site
• Bike Tour Slide Show
• "Thank You America" Tour Gets to VA
• Bravest Bike Tour Rolling
• NYC Firefighters Bike For Unity
