‘That’s a really proud moment for me’: Powhatan fire chief sings National Anthem at Banana Ball baseball game

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Powhatan County's fire chief is bringing the heat! Chief David Johnston sang the National Anthem at the Banana Ball baseball game at the end of July in Norfolk. 

For Johnston, singing the National Anthem at this game was more than just an opportunity to show off his talent, it was also a way for him to honor his country.  

“Just [to] able to represent first responders all around when I stand and sing in my uniform, that's a really proud moment for me," he told 8News.  

While Banana Ball is a unique and fun version of baseball with lots of singing and dancing, singing the nation's song is as serious as it gets for the fire chief. 

“First and foremost, it’s always an honor to sing the National Anthem because it does represent our country and what we stand for, but it’s also extremely nerve-wracking," he said. 

The match up at this game was between the Party Animals and the Firefighters, both teams that play Banana Ball under the Savannah Bananas’ organization. 

Despite the environment, Johnston tried his best to keep the lyrics straight. 

“In the moment, you always feel like you’re gonna forget the words even though you know it," he said. "It’s a really cool experience when you’re done because you know you did it.” 

Chief Johnston was able to bring his family along and had the support of the station back home in Powhatan. 

“I try to keep my singing hidden, however it’s not always possible," he said. "And as I grew up in the firehouse through my career, the folks that I worked with always joked that if I wasn’t singing, I was probably in a bad mood.” 

Johnston said he's also had the chance to sing for the Washington Nationals, the Virginia Commonwealth University basketball team and the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He added, he always loves the opportunity.