JANUARY 2013 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My Favorite International Find for January 2013 is the Brass Fire Department Belt Buckle. Andrew G. from Ontario, Canada recovered his father-in-law’s fire department belt buckle in time for Christmas. It was the best gift money couldn’t buy. Rather a very special sentimental gift that only a thankful son-in-law could find, and return to its owner.

Andrew recounts some background on this story. "In 1994, my father-in-law Albert was responding to a fire in the township’s tanker as a Volunteer Fire Fighter when an inner dual tire blew on a curve. Having the choice of hitting a rock cut or rolling the truck, he aimed for the ditch and hoped for the best. His actions saved his fellow Fire Fighter’s lives. My father in law was ejected and his chest was impaled by a port-a-tank carried on the truck. He went Vital Signs Absent once, on route to the trauma center, but somehow pulled through. He spent years trying to recover, but never could be part of the fire department again. One thing that bothered him after all the trauma was the loss of the brass Fire Department buckle. He went back to the crash scene many times searching for that buckle."

Andrew himself is a paramedic. Several months ago after undergoing emergency back surgery and forced to bed rest, he researched and discovered the incredible hobby of metal detecting via the internet. Andrew tells us, "I vowed that once I was able to get up, I was going to get into ‘detecting’ and make it part of my physiotherapy routine to learn to walk properly again. Three months later, here I am. Walking, exercising, and thanks to donations from my family and a November birthday, I am the proud owner of a Garrett EuroAce."

Now for the recovery, best told by Andrew. "The ground was frozen down 2". It was below freezing, and I was losing my light, but damn it, that EuroAce hit on it like nobody’s business! I wasn’t sure if I was gong to laugh or cry. In reality, I’m not afraid to say I did both. I showed my wife the pile of aluminum cans and trash I had found, but then I handed her that freezing cold buckle, and the tears in her eyes were priceless. I’m going to get a new leather belt tomorrow, and mount the dirty, scratched and beat-up old buckle on it for Christmas. I'm not even going to brush it off. Thank you Garrett! You have no idea what this is going to mean to all of us in two weeks when we give it to him for Christmas."

Andrew concludes by saying, "You (Garrett) are wonderful people running a wonderful business and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to give back to the family who has done so much for me. Thank you!"

Great job Andrew! I wish you a continued recovery and continued success with your new hobby! Your father-in-law is fortunate to have a grateful son-in-law.

Andrew G. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett PRO-POINTER®! You could be the next winner!