Sometimes the people managing your campsite turn out to have a much more interesting day job.

While staying in Whittier, Alaska, we met Fire Chief Captain Jason Cates, who was also helping manage the campground where we were staying.

We quickly became friends, and Jason generously invited us to visit the Whittier Fire Department.

He gave us a personal tour of the station, showing us the equipment, fire engines and some of what goes into serving such a unique Alaska community.

But Jason’s generosity didn’t end with the tour. Before we got back on the road, he offered to air up YOLA’s tires and make sure we were ready for the miles ahead.

Then he surprised us by gifting us two Whittier Fire Department T-shirts to wear during our travels.

Jason, thank you for welcoming us into your firehouse, taking care of YOLA and sending us down the road with a little piece of Whittier. We’ll wear those shirts proudly as we continue around the world.