A U8 minor softball team was delighted when three members of the team’s title sponsor, Whitehorse Fire Department, stopped by Wednesday night’s game in a big red fire engine.

“They were more excited about the fire truck than us,” said Brian Fedoriak, one of the firefighters who visited the game, with a laugh.

Jordan Borgford and Dayne Jones, who were also on the night shift with Fedoriak, also attended the game.

The firefighters’ visit was a highlight for the kids, said Samantha Chiasson, whose daughter plays on the team.

“They were all jumping and pretty excited to play,” she said.

The trio took part in the game, which featured the Whitehorse Fire Department against Yukon Inn and pitched.

Chiasson said her daughter wants to be a firefighter. This is her first organized after-school sport after getting the go-ahead following heart surgery.

“Her face – she was so excited,” said Chiasson. “I don’t think I’ve seen a smile on her face as big as that.”

Afterward the game, the team took photos with Fedoriak, Jones and Borgford.

The Whitehorse Fire Department also sponsors a minor soccer team.

Fedoriak said they’ve been sponsoring minor sports for about five years. Shift depending, they try to make it out to one or two games during the season.

“I’m glad the kids enjoyed it,” he said.

Hearing the sirens go off as they left the game isn’t something the kids will likely soon forget.

“The kids look up to them,” said Chiasson. “It means so much to the kids.”