BALTIMORE – The smiles and sense of ease were easy to spot on certain passengers walking toward the gates at BWI Friday.
Maybe it was the sign bearing their name or seeing waiting firefighters.
Regardless of their departure city, they all arrived in Maryland for the same reason – to honor their loved one or colleague who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The welcoming team says they are proud to be the first ones the families and fellow firefighters see when they land. It’s the least they can do.
Once the family is gathered, they are escorted to baggage claim. From there, they head to a room to take a break and have a snack while they wait for a van to take them to their hotels in Gettysburg, more than an hour away.
Among the subs, fruit, chips and candy is a crock pot of meatballs concocted by Joe Moninghoff, an Anne Arundel County firefighter.
“They’ve been a big hit. Everyone seems to like them,” he said proudly.
While he keeps an eye on the flight schedules, and sends the teams to various gates, he doesn’t want to be known as the coordinator. He’s been part of the group for three years, and welcomes the families to the reception area.
When there’s a lull in the flight arrivals, you’ll find him listening to the stories from the families.
But, the visits are often brief.
“Here, you’ll have nine in this party,” he says as he hands a team a red folder. “They’re on time.”
Inside the folder, they find the name of the party printed in bold letters. One of the greeters will be holding it up as the passengers enter the airport.
BWI firefighters and medics lead the groups as they know the shortcuts around crowds.
“Even the chief and assistant were here helping for a while,” Moninghoff noted. “They make sure we have help…”
David Reid, a firefighter in Kent Island, Md., said he enjoys the duty he’s been doing for two years. He’ll also be a family escort for the weekend events.
“We’re all just one big family. That’s what it’s all about. I’m proud to be part of it…”
His daughter, Chelsea, is following his lead. “It’s been an awesome experience. I’ve learned the stories about their firefighters.”
Chris Schaetzly, an Anne Arundel County firefighter, can’t imagine not participating.
The former firefighter in Rockdale County, Ga. said his involvement with the NFFF increased after he lost a colleague.
He said he understands loss, and wants to lend a hand to someone else as they begin the journey to celebrate their hero’s life.
Once you participate, you’re hooked, they say.
As a new mother, Howard County Fire/Rescue Firefighter/EMT Trish Harris figured a way to help last year.
“I had a newborn, and was nursing. But, I made it happen to be here,” she said with a laugh adding she found a private place to pump in between her greeter duties.
Harris said her friend, longtime NFFF staff member Jeannie Tobia, introduced her to the opportunities.
“The families are in awe, and overwhelmed at the hospitality they receive when they get here,” she said.
Harris added her appreciation for the BWI personnel. “They are phenomenal. I don’t know how we’d do it without them. They are so great about getting us around.”
And, that’s a huge deal since personnel from Middle Island, N.Y., Rockdale County, Ga., Fort Meade, and the National Park Service were among those who lent a hand over the past few days.
The ambassadors are already thinking of ways to enhance the experience next year.
