If you were watching the NASCAR Cup - Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 race on Saturday from the 2.5 mile Pocono Raceway you got to see Alex Bowman celebrate in the victory lane. If you were watching very closely, you also got to see Pleasant Valley Fire District's own Past Deputy Chief Matt Cady (in the red suit) in the pit stalls.

Why you may ask?

In addition to his fire department dedication to the Pleasant Valley Fire District, Deputy Fire Coordinator for the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, Matt is also a Pit Road Firefighter at Pocono Raceway. He stands at the separation line of the two pit stalls, between the cars of Kurt Busch and Martin Truex, Jr., where he observes the front of one car and the rear of the other. He has a headset that’s connected with the race tower and a fire extinguisher in case something happens.

We're sure some of the training that Matt received during his 34 years in the Pleasant Valley Fire District helps him do his job safely and possibly save the lives of the people at Pocono Raceway.

You too can get that same training Matt got...for free. Just click the "Join PVFD" tab on the home page and fill out the membership application...real easy!

Who knows where that training will take you...