We all love firefighters. They put their lives on the line whenever the alarm goes off. They’re the real deal.

This morning, I witnessed a brief exchange between a group of Amarillo firefighters and a little boy who I guess is around 4 or 5 years of age.

The firemen, about eight of them, were shopping for groceries at the United Supermarket at 45th and Bell around 10:30 a.m. The little boy saw them in the produce department and spoke out, apparently recognizing that they were firemen; I’m not sure how he would know that, as they weren’t wearing their fire-proof suits and hats, so I’m guessing someone said something to him.

Some of the firemen walked over the youngster to engage him in some conversation. The youngster’s grin said so much.

I think I overheard one of the men ask the boy if he wanted to be a firefighter someday. I’m pretty sure the boy said yes. “Give me a high five,” one of the firemen said to the youngster, who happily obliged.

Those men made one youngster’s day.

And to be honest, just by watching what happened, they made mine, too.

Well done, fellas, and thanks for your service to the community.