Wish gives Wauconda boy the chance to be a firefighter for a day
For his first day on the job, Mason Szymczak got a pretty good taste of what it means to be a Wauconda firefighter.
He even put out a small fire - with help, of course. Mason, after all, is only 7.
Mason, a first grader at Wauconda Grade School, became an honorary firefighter for a day Saturday through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His parents came along as Mason learned about the Wauconda Fire Department.
"It was just so much to see him so happy and so excited," said his mom, Julie Szymczak.
Diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease shortly after birth, Mason cannot process certain components of protein. Amino acids accumulate in his blood causing a toxic effect that interferes with brain functions.
Mason's condition is kept under control by carefully monitoring his diet and avoiding protein-rich food. When he was fighting a cold this past fall, however, the levels of these amino acids spiked. Mason had seizures and was hospitalized in November.
A new way of feeding a special supplement directly into his stomach helped Mason to recover. He just celebrated his birthday Feb. 2, and told Make-A-Wish Foundation coordinators that he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up, said Julie Szymczak.
"We were surprised because no one in the family is a firefighter, but he wants to be one," she said. "He was so excited about coming here."
Firefighters gave Mason and his parents a warm welcome, including a tour of their living quarters and all the fire engines, the water truck and ambulance. Mason also rode in a fire truck.
"We're here all day and all night, but then we get two days off," said public education coordinator Tomm Smithe during the tour. He also gave Mason a uniform, jacket and helmet.
When asked why he wanted to be a firefighter, Mason said "because it's a fun job."
Throughout the day, Mason learned valuable life lessons.
"When we use tools here at the fire station, we put them away, just as your parents ask you to put away your toys," Smithe said.
Mason also helped firefighters wash an ambulance.
"He's always such a happy kid and so good about helping around the house," Julie Szymczak said.