Gabriel Pope comes to work like every other Harrison Firefighter. With a day of uncertainty ahead, the firefighters know they could be inside a structure fire facing temperatures up to 1,500 degrees, or it could be a day when a business wants to say “Thanks” and brings you snacks or lunch to enjoy between calls.

Mayor Jerry Jackson seems to know everyone and has developed a 30-plus-year friendship with the drummer for Ray Charles and Tony Orlando, Tim Pope. Tim mentioned his son was a firefighter in Harrison, and Jackson was shocked he hadn't put the two names together.

Jackson invited Tim to come see the fire station and meet the team that serves with his son.

There was lots of good-natured teasing when Tim shared some embarrassing stories, as all proud fathers do.

Being the talented musician and songwriter Tim is, the guys asked if he could write a song about a fire truck driver going over a curb. He instantly had the beat and words flowing, and the whole shift enjoyed the good-natured teasing and laughter.

Fire Division Chief Thanh Ketchum said, “It’s good for these guys to find a few minutes to laugh together and meet each other’s family. There are too many days when we serve our community with back-to-back tragedies. I’m very proud of all of our firefighters. It’s not often they get to relax. But they know when to chill and enjoy some good-natured teasing, and when it’s time to save lives.”