Tim, right, helps Max Kinsey, Warsaw Wayne Fire Territory’s public information officer, teach kindergartners about fire safety at Lincoln Elementary.

WARSAW — With help from the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, Tim, a Cardinal Services’ client, gets to live out a life-long dream of becoming a firefighter.

Tim’s involvement with the fire department started out with just a tour. During the tour, he really connected with the firefighters on A shift and Tim suggested joining the team as a volunteer. Since then, he has been through an orientation training, went on a run, helped clean the fire trucks and station and even participated in the annual Family Safety Day.

“He pretty much made this happen on his own,” said Brooke Carey, Tim’s support staff. “They have definitely accepted him as one of their own, he’s just one of the guys.”

Recently, Tim spent the afternoon helping the team teach kindergartners at Lincoln Elementary about fire safety. Tim had never listened to the lessons being presented before, but it didn’t take long until he was helping instruct.

Tim hopes to one day help rescue people from a working fire, but is happy just being a part of the team. “They’re my friends,” says Tim.

Working with the fire department helps Tim in many different aspects of his life, including his memory. “It has definitely added value to his life,” said Carey. “He loves it.”

Tim has lived in Warsaw his whole life and is involved in the residential and work services of Cardinal. Many may recognize him from his days at Big R, where he worked on the custodial staff before retiring after seven years. Being a firefighter isn’t Tim’s only dream, he also would like to be a weatherman on the news.