As we reported recently, a very special HazMat trailer is about to roll from the Bacon District Volunteer Fire Department (BDVFD). The rollout has been two years in the making; the BDVFD bought the trailer in 2014.

It has taken so long to debut because the department relies on grants, donations and other gifts to operate. So, it has taken this long to obtain all the equipment, lettering and striping necessary to be an official HazMat trailer.

It also took one more thing -— the following lettering near the front of each side of the trailer: “In Memory of Colton Osborne.”

Osborne died earlier this year following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident; another person was injured just moments later when their ATV crashed in nearly the same spot.

That Osborne, all of 18, loved the fire department was made evident in a Facebook message exchange with us: “Colton loved the fire department and it is an honor to us for them to dedicate this trailer in memory of Colton,” his mother, Teresa Osborne, said. “Colton will live in the hearts of everyone around here and seeing this trailer reminds me of the love everyone had for Colton.”

From what we’ve seen, that is true — especially from his fellow firefighter and brother, Dylan.

“Cotton,” as friends and family called Osborne, also volunteered with the Chase City Volunteer Fire Department.

We all continue to grieve, but our hearts are made lighter knowing each time people see the BDVFD HazMat trailer roll, they’ll also see “Colton Osborne.”