Children's Book Tells Tale of Arizona Firefighters

On three consecutive nights in May, Patty Vallance did ride-alongs with firefighters from several Tucson fire stations.

She witnessed them battling building fires, treating motorists injured in automobile crashes and tending to sick or injured people in their homes.

"The most touching experience for me was a call to the home of an elderly woman who was sick. This call hooked my heart. There were these enormous, burly firefighters from Station 8 who treated her with care, gentleness, compassion, dignity and respect," said Vallance.

Vallance's experiences resulted in a children's book, "Born to Wear Blue," which explains the life and job of a firefighter.

"People are born to do this job. You can teach the skill, but you cannot teach the integrity, character and compassion that goes with the job," said Vallance, who dedicated the book to Sterling Charles Lytle.

Lytle, 25, was a firefighter for the Nogales Fire Department who died after being critically injured in a hit-and-run June 28 in Tucson. He was taken off life support July 3.

The book also has a section for parents and others on how to explain to children the use of the 911 emergency system. The section also gives parents an opportunity to explain to their children what is an emergency in their home.

The 20-page book, which is filled with colorful illustrations by Russian artist Veronika Devyatiyarova, was donated by Vallance to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to raise funds for the nonprofit organization.

"The book is tremendous," said Mike Mc- Kendrick, chairman of the fire foundation and a retired assistant chief of the Tucson Fire Department. "Patty wrote it from her heart. It educates young children about what firefighters do, and it also teaches the 911 safety message."

McKendrick said the book will help raise funds to help provide firefighters with advanced training, equipment, and health-and-wellness services.

The foundation, which published the book, has all rights to the book.

McKendrick said the foundation is available to work with other fire foundations, districts and departments that are interested in purchasing the book wholesale or at a bulk rate for fundraising purposes for their entities.

How to get the book

The children's book, "Born to Wear Blue", is available through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation. To learn more about the foundation, go to www.tucsonfirefoundation.org or Tucson Fire Foundation on Facebook.

The book costs $10 and can be ordered through author Patty Vallance at 250-8113 or www.borntowearblue.org

Vallance is also available for readings and presentations to schools, community groups and youth organizations. Jason Miko of Russell Public Communications is promoting the book and can be reached at 232-9840 for presentations.

Copyright 2012 - The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

McClatchy-Tribune News Service