One of the highlights of anyone’s life is the day they receive their high school diploma. For Eric Post, it was even more special, than he could have ever imagined.
The Sterling Heights Fire Department sat in the place of his father, Eric Post, Sr., to watch him graduate from Chippewa Valley High School.
His dad was a firefighter with the department until he died of leukemia two years ago.
“We decided as a group to come out here and honor his dad,” said Lt, Darryl Curtis. “We can’t replace him but we can honor him. The city was kind enough to let us bring an engine out.”
After the ceremony, Eric was presented with an American flag and state flag from a state lawmaker.
He and his siblings also got mementos from the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation, symbolizing that Eric Jr. and his family will always be their family.
“Means lot,” he said. “Makes me feel special and welcomed and good
“Very meaningful,” said Eric Jr’s mother Jill Garvin. “Words can’t express how much it means to my children and to myself.”
The gesture also reminded loved ones of the promise Sterling Heights firefighters made to Eric Sr at his memorial service.
“They made a public declaration. The firefighters did that my brother Eric didn’t have to worry,” said Laurel Zoot. “You know what Eric, we got it from here and to have them come out on a momentous occasion. These life landmarks are the hardest. That my brother won’t see his kids get married and won’t see them graduate but it makes it just a teeny bit easier to have these guys here.”
Meanwhile, Eric Jr. is eager to begin the next chapter in his life and plans to become and electrician.
