Chief Casey Season 1: Chicago's Newest Chief (Dawsey)

Chapter 85

Matt's POV: After spending the past hour putting out the fire with Patterson's help, I went to shake his hand so that he and his house could leave. I decided we could finish the rest of the cleanup. "Thanks again Patterson." Dallas then looked at me and smiled as he went to shake my hand. "Anytime Casey. Just let me know how it goes with your future candidate's mother. Just remember that I think you did the right thing. He's guaranteed to pass." I nodded and agreed. "Yeah, still...wish me luck." He agreed and laughed as I walked over to the Hermanns.

"And you are completely fine? No problems Lee Henry?" I sighed while looking at Cindy. "Okay, on a scale of 1 to 10. How mad at me are you Cindy?" Cindy then looked at me and sighed. "Matt, I am just scared. He hasn't graduated yet. What if the academy learns that he's fighting fires already or even on scene with his future house? Have you thought about what that could do? He might get expelled from the academy." I sighed and nodded before looking at Hermann. "What's your take on this. From both points of view. Firefighter and father." Hermann sighed.

"As proud as I am of Lee Henry, I am still scared. I mean, observing was one thing...but him being there did throw me off my game a bit. You understand Chief. You've had Gabby on your scene and knew it was hard." I then nodded. "Here's the thing though. Were you able to do your job? Or did you get distracted too much?" Hermann was confused when I said that. "What do you mean?" I sighed and looked at him. "The whole point of Lee Henry being at the house is to get him used to the crew he is going to work with as a candidate...."

Cindy and Hermann both looked at me and let me talk. "In my opinion, you were able to concentrate on the fire without being compromised by your son's presence at the fire. I didn't let him go any further than the water cannons and he never went into the flames. He was safe. However, I saw that you were fine with him being on the scene. He didn't shake your confidence in your skills as captain and in my opinion, you executed perfectly. This was a test Hermann. And you passed. I was not going to let him stay at the firehouse if he distracted you at all."

Hermann laughed and agreed. "Plus, he got to help you with the hoses. So in my opinion, it's a practical solution. I get you don't want him in the fires. And I agreed as a father. And I promise, he won't be in the fires until he is graduated from the fire academy. But, if you aren't comfortable with him doing that yet...I understand." Cindy sighed and looked at me. "Is there any other reason?" I laughed. "Well, the unpaid help with the hoses doesn't help. It also helps him get used to how to other firemen work and stuff. Just think about it."

Cindy and Hermann then both looked at each other and were about to give me an answer. "Listen, take the next couple days to think it over. Give me an answer next shift okay? I want you guys to talk about this. This is a big decision and can't be rushed. However, I am still going to get him to practice with the gear." Hermann nodded and agreed. "Can we do today as a trial run? Then I at least have a picture of how it works. So like, every call from now on..." I agreed and nodded. "Sure thing. Cindy, you trust him to make the call today?"

Cindy nodded and agreed. "Let me know tomorrow and let Matt know later. You make the decision since you are the one who has to work with him. I am so proud of you though Lee Henry. As scary as it was...it was cool." Lee Henry laughed and agreed. "Thanks mom." I smiled at them. "Then listen, just let me do it my way okay? He can help around the scene. That way he gets used to the rush without being in a building. If he learns to run in his gear, it's helpful. He can carry hoses. Plus, not a bad workout. He learns stuff here he can't at the academy."

Cindy and Hermann both agreed. "We trust you Matt and you are doing the right thing. Lee Henry, you are on shift with me every time now. Just stay out here." Lee Henry nodded and agreed as he went to hug his parents. I smiled at them and agreed. "Now listen, Cindy...you need to go because we need to head back to the house before we get another call." We all agreed and nodded as we got ready to get in the trucks. "Lee Henry, you still ride with me okay?" Lee Henry nodded and agreed as I wrapped my arm around him. "See you at the house Hermann."

They both agreed and nodded as I prepared to talk to Lee Henry in the jeep.