Hector. the Shinny Red Firer Truck

                                                   Hector, the Shiny Red Fire Truck

Hector was a very special little red fire truck. For years, Hector was the only fire truck in Mugginville.  When the fire alarm sounded Hector's little engine was always oiled, greased and ready to go.  His siren always made the loudest noise, telling people to get out of his way.  When there was a fire, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave.Everyone in Mugginville loved Hector.  On the 4th of July, Hector always led the big parade.  His wheels were so shiny and clean as a whistle.  His red engine was polished so bright that you could see your face in the front fender.

One day while Hector was getting washed and polished, a brand new red fire truck pulled into the garage right beside Hector. It was twice his size.  Big Joe was his name. His water hoses were three times as long as Hector's and could shoot to the top of the highest buildings in town.  His ladders reached the sky. At least Hector thought that they did.  He had been the only fire truck for years, and he thought to himself, "The town doesn't need another fire truck.  I know I can do the job.  I always have,"


Then early one morning the alarm went off.  Hector was the first one awake and ready to go, but when the fire men arrived they all jumped onto Big Joe and left Hector and fireman Fred to watch the station. Hector felt so dejected. He didn't know what to think. He had never been left behind before. He felt like he was unwanted, unimportant and rejected.  Big tears began to roll down his shinny red fenders. His little red heart was broken.


Hector was feeling so sorry for himself  that he didn't even hear the alarm go off. "Hector, Hector," called Fred, "It's our turn.."  Hector wiped his tears, put a smile on his face, as Fred jumped on the back.  He headed down the street. But, you will never believe where the fire was? It was  the same fire that Big Joe was at. "What's the problem Big Joe ," asked Hector. Big Joe replied, " There is a little puppy crying for help and I am too big to squeeze between the two buildings. The puppy is so scared." His master on the ground was extremely happy to see Hector. Brave little Hector fitted himself right between the two buildings, while Fred climbed the ladder and brought the little puppy down and placed him into the arms of his master.  Hector was so proud of himself. He was really needed.  Everyone patted Hector on his shinny red fenders for saving the puppy. Even big Joe admired him saying "Hector, you are a very special, fire truck. I could never do what you did today." Hector smiled and led big Joe back to the fire station. 

From that day on, Hector knew that he was important and never felt sorry for himself again. It was a lie. He was needed. Hector just had to wait his turn. He wasn't the ONLY one that was important.  Big Joe had his place in the fire station too. There would always be plenty of smaller fires for Hector to perform alone. But don't forget the 4th of July. The parade never started without Hector leading it.