Chapter 30
Jason healed without complications and returned to work. His co-workers had a new respect for him after what he’d been through. The behind-the-scenes chatter was that everyone was relieved Shane was gone.
Fire season continued to rev up as the days grew longer and hotter.
Jason continued to work the retardant pump when there were active fires and made himself useful around the base when there was downtime.
He never needed to be asked. He just did what needed to be done to keep the base functional and operational.
He was washing windows when he heard footsteps approaching.
“Hey Jason, Chief Smith wants to see you in his office. Now.”
Noah was talking on the phone when Jason entered the room.
He motioned for him to take a seat in the chair across from him.
He sat and waited, anxiety mounting. I don’t think I’ve messed up, but maybe I was a little slow with the pump switch the other day.
Man, I hope I’m not in trouble. I love this job. I need it.
His thoughts flashed to Tina and their upcoming trip to visit his mom. He was both dreading and looking forward to it. Having Tina there will help.
Noah ended the call and took a sip of water from his bottle. “Jason, I called you in here today to let you know how pleased I am with your job performance.”
Noah half stood, smiled, and extended his hand for Jason to shake. “You’re a true team player. I see you picking up slack and doing all the extra jobs around the base in addition to your assigned job.”
The tension that had been building in Jason’s muscles began to release, and he tried to bite back a smile.
“The engineers have also noticed and recommended you for a promotion,” Noah said.
Jason sat up, his back ramrod straight, a sense of hope rising. “Thank you, sir.”
“After speaking with them and making some observations of my own, I would like to move you up to the position of aircraft loader.”
Jason couldn’t help but smile now.
“This is a step up from your current position and involves more risk, as you’ll be loading the retardant directly into the tankers on an active tarmac. Moving propellers, planes landing and taking off.”
“I know I can do it. Yes! Thank you.” He reached out to shake Noah’s hand.
Noah obliged. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I need you to understand the potential danger. When we’re working an active fire, it’s organized chaos out there.
The aircraft Marshaler is a firefighter responsible for directing the aircraft as it exits the taxi way into the airbase, leading the air tankers into the appropriate pits for loading and refueling. ”
Jason listened, nodding his understanding. “Yes. I’ve been watching.”
“Your job as an aircraft loader would be to approach the plane after the Marshaler signals it's safe to approach. You’ll be loading the retardant while paying careful attention to the fill indicators. Communication with the pilot and the air attack dispatch personnel is also an important component. Teamwork is essential.”
“I can do that, Chief.” Jason’s words tripped over each other in his enthusiasm.
Noah sat back in his chair, propped his elbows on his desk, and folded his hands. “You’ve come a long way, haven’t you? I think the Air Attack Base suits you well.”
“Yes sir. I want to make my future with Cal Fire.” The thought of finally having a future made his throat tight. “Thank you, Chief, for giving me a second chance. I’ll never forget it.”
He brushed a knuckle over each of his eyes, wiping away the moisture. “I’m going to work hard. Tina and I want to get married after graduation… and someday start a family. I want to be the dad that I never had.”
Noah swallowed. “I believe in you, Jason, and so does God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that the Lord has a plan for each one of us—to prosper and not to harm. He wants to give us hope and a future.”
Jason bowed his head for a few moments, then looked directly at Noah. “Tina and I prayed the prayer of salvation together. We want to live the rest of our lives together as believers.”
“That’s an answered prayer for many of us.” Noah cleared his throat and took another sip of water.
“Okay, let’s talk a little more about the position. There’s a step raise after six months of employment as an aircraft loader.”
Jason’s grin didn’t fade as Noah continued to describe how this position could lead to other responsibilities and perhaps give him an edge in applying for a permanent job in the future, with benefits and retirement.
He couldn’t wait to tell Tina the news. They were leaving tomorrow early for the long drive to his mom’s home in Western Oregon.
His heart beat harder with the thought of seeing his mom face-to-face after all these years.