Our Christmas Tree Heroes

It turned out to be more than 24 feet high and so massive at the base that decorating would become a test of physics.

When The Martin Agency’s Christmas tree was delivered this week, our operations team was amazed. Not only was the 18-foot spruce we ordered for our patio gorgeous, it turned out to be more than 24-feet high and so massive at the base that decorating would become a test of physics.

As our team stood and pondered our ornamentation predicament, four members of Richmond’s Fire Department happened by on Hook and Ladder Truck #1 on their way to Shockoe Espresso for one of the local coffee house’s renowned milkshakes.

“Do you all need some help?” they asked.

In no time, Lieutenant Mike Oprandy and firefighters Shaun Whiteley, Adam Mesco and Courtland Lambert positioned their massive, gleaming truck and extended the ladder allowing the firemen to effortlessly and precisely drape lights and hang ornaments all the way to the top of the festive tree. In less than 20 minutes they had saved the day.

To thank our Christmas tree heroes, Melissa Miller from our operations crew presented the firemen with the four milkshakes that brought them to Shockoe Slip in the first place.

For the rest of the season, as our 580+ employees come and go from the agency, we’ll be reminded of the generosity and ingenuity from four of Richmond’s finest first responders.
 

Photo by Miranda Morgan.