When the BLM comes to play

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Yovanni Valdez took a mighty swing during a T-ball game with the Hot Shots in the spring.

suburuFootball083:

With the football securely in place under his chin and a host of Hot Shots blockers as a convoy, Jose Maldonado set forth on an exciting journey.

Rugged men who battle flames for a living can be some of the kindest, caring and inspirational visitors a child confined to a wheelchair may ever see. Known as the Kern Valley "Hot Shots," these U.S. Bureau of Land Management firemen excite students in the county office’s orthopedically exceptional classes at Suburu School in Bakersfield. Because when the Hot Shots come to visit teacher Julie MacDonell and Jenna Downing’s students, they come to play and play hard.

If the Hot Shots show up with a football, as they did on Sept. 17, the students know it is time to put their game faces on because they are included. Yes, included. Each Hot Shot chooses a student as his player. The whistle blows, the football sails into the air and all of a sudden man and student become one as wheelchairs go speeding down the field in pursuit of a touchdown.

Facial expressions tell it all, especially when an unsuspecting student suddenly has the football thrust in his or her lap and realizes they have a chance to make something exciting happen. Smiles, unbridled laughter and shouts of joy fill the air during those moments, as Hot Shot and student quickly weave their way through a field of wheelchairs, walkers and legs trying to go as far as they can without being touched. And when one scores a touchdown, an amazing scene follows with "High 5s" from everyone — including opposing teammates and Hot Shots. In this game, everyone is happy for everyone else.

Susan Lara was smiling and cheering along with the rest on the sidelines. Her son Raymond is one of 19 students in MacDonnell and Downing’s classes.

"Those Hot Shots are great for our kids and Julie and Jenna plan the most amazing activities and field trips," Lara said. "I am so lucky that my fragile child gets so many opportunities. I never thought I would see the day he would be playing football. But look at Raymond. What a great time he’s having. The guys are careful, but they make the games fun."

And Sept. 17 was not a one time deal. The Hot Shots, as a group, 23 of them, have been a part of these activities for three years.

"I know a crew superintendent and one day just asked if they could show up — they did and they keep coming," said MacDonnell. "These guys have to work us in around their training and high demand fire seasons. So, many of our activities are at the last moment. The great thing is the physical assistance they can provide for our kids."

"We just found out the guys are available for our field trip to American Kids gymnastics on Oct. 3," said Downing. "That is pretty remarkable since all 23 signed up on their day off to be with us. When the kids found out, they just started screaming. They were very excited."

It does not seem to matter what the activity is. Last spring the Hot Shots came to Suburu for a T-ball game. There have been trips to a local bounce house and more.

"Why do we do it," asked firefighter Logan Ladd. "Because it feels wonderful. There is not much we can do to change their condition, but if what we do helps the kids that’s good. I think we kind of provide a change of pace for them."


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