Virginia Rescuer Completes Charity Engine Pull
LOVETTSVILLE, Va. -- As the crowd shouted, "Go Mary!" a fire engine slowly rolled across the apron of Lovettsville Fire and Rescue station Saturday morning.
A heavy chain on the front bumper was secured to a harness worn by a 5'4" woman.
For Mary Jacobson, it wasn't a matter of if, but how far.
During practice earlier in the week, she'd pulled it 50 feet. The new volunteer rescuer who has a number of strongwoman titles organized the event to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"We thought it was a good cause, and decided to work with her," said Bill Mungovan, president of Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue. "We knew it would generate good PR, but didn't know it would be this much."
Mungovan said it was actually a perfect fit. "We help people. She wanted to help people."
Despite the chill, the crowd visited while they waited for the pull to begin. It was Jacobson who was getting anxious as she waited for her wingman, who got lost en route to the fire station.
As long as the crowd was willing, she wanted to wait. "He knows about things, and making sure I'm set."
When Barry Perkins finally arrived, he was met with applause.
The two rechecked a rope that stretched from the bumper of a pickup truck parked at the opposite side of the apron to the fire engine. There was silence as Jacobson adjusted her grip and got set.
Her facial movements showed determination and concentration as she leaned forward, defying gravity. Jacobson dug in, and exhaled. When the engine started rolling, the crowd cheered and applauded.
It appeared to pick up a bit of speed briefly, but eventually stopped in the middle of the apron. Spectators showed their appreciation. Some ran over to give her a pat on the back as the chain was released from her harness.
A firefighter measured, and announced Jacobson had pulled 75 feet.
"That's better than during practice last week when I pulled 50 feet two times," she said. "I feel good."
An auction was held inside the firehouse after the pull.
"Although donations and pledges are still coming in, I think we'll clear $6,500 for St. Jude's," she said.
