A volunteer firefighter who has served since the age of eight, and for the last 10 years at Strand Fire Station, was treated to a ceremony of appreciation and acknowledgement by firefighters on Monday (23 May).
Johan Coetzee, now 28, was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at the age of 21 months. It is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body and is characterised by mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive facial features, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems.
But despite this and against all odds, Coetzee has achieved what many thought he would never, and has forged relationships with firefighters throughout the Western and Eastern Cape.
“Johan was always a special child, and although he was unable to go to school, he is extraordinary gifted and uniquely challenged,” said his father, Dries. “Wherever we would go, anywhere in the country, he insisted that he wanted to stop at the fire station, meet the firefighters, see the trucks with lights”.
At the time the family moved from Eastern Cape to Namibia, and now reside in the Northern Cape. But for the past 10 years have scheduled trips to Strand at least twice a year, so Coetzee could get his fix of firefighting.
“He takes nothing for granted. Johan works hard for everything,” said Dries.
In his speech, Strand Fire Station Commander Peter Cloete related how curious Coetzee was when he first visited, but since his arrival so much has changed and he has developed so much.
“He brings us calmness, and we share in his excitement and passion. He’s been out with us, he’s helped extinguish fires, and he’s learnt so much. From him we’ve learnt patience just by the way he carries himself with dignity at all times. I am moved when I’m with him, and he reminds us of all the things we take for granted. We love you, Johan.”
After a fire-drill demonstration, in which he put a fire out and was given a salute by the Strand and Somerset West platoons, the man of the hour went up to the podium to share a few words.
“When I started it was difficult, but now it’s much easier,” he said. “I’m grateful to all those that I work with. To me my journey to this point will always be unbelievable. This really means a lot to me, it is the biggest achievement of my life. I enjoy the service I do, and it is only in God’s will that I do this. All I can say is thank you, thank you so much for everything.”
