Local teen receives birthday surprise

Monday, the Houston County Fire Department surprised 15-year-old Chance Wood with birthday wishes when they drove past his house, lights flashing and sirens sounding. Following the fire department, a bus full of well-wishers, as well as a procession of cars, drove past Wood’s home to wish him a happy birthday.

“Someone called us and [asked] could [we] bring the firetrucks by for a child’s birthday party, and with everything going on, we decided we’d do that and do a drive by and wave and honk some horns for him,” said Sergeant Charles Conley of the Houston County Fire Department.

Chance’s mother, Robyn Wood, said that around this time of year, there is usually a pool party held for Chance with his friends and family in attendance, but due to the current happenings, that was not possible this year.

“We were just thinking of ways to celebrate and make him feel special,” Robyn said, adding that she had seen events of this nature on social media and wanted to pursue it, further noting that she was grateful that their family and friends were safe and healthy.

Robyn said that she wasn’t expecting the large turnout, maybe only 10 cars. She stated that the fire department was a surprise to her as well. Robyn shared that her sister-in-law and Wood’s aunt, Christina Cannon, concocted the idea for Houston County’s engines to be involved.

Cannon said that Wood deserved the display, adding that she had reached out to the fire department with the idea.

“Sgt. Conley called me, and was like, I’ll set it up! It was so much fun!” Cannon said.

Conley voiced his enthusiasm, sharing, “I’m excited. I am, because it means we get to make someone else smile.” Conley also said that things like this were important during a time of pandemic.

“It’s important for the receiving party—the child—[but] it’s important for us to see that smile,” Conley explained and further noted that it also keeps the department active in the environment as well.

Wood expressed that he enjoyed the birthday procession and that he was surprised and not expecting it.

“Thank you for everyone doing this,” Wood said.

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