Profile of a CFD firefighter

“Growing up, I never really knew anyone who was a firefighter. It wasn’t something I grew up dreaming about,” he shared. “It wasn’t until a friend of mine mentioned his dad was a lieutenant on the force that I started paying attention. When I learned they were hiring in 1995, I decided to apply. There were 35,000 applications submitted, but only around 25,000 showed up for the test. The odds weren’t exactly in my favor, but I was lucky enough to make it through and join the second class a year later.”

He continued, “I imagined there would be some training period before diving straight into the action, but that wasn’t the case. From day one, you’re thrown right into the thick of things. The first few calls were definitely nerve-wracking, but after a while, you start to settle into the rhythm of it all. Even though adrenaline still kicks in every time you face a dangerous situation, you learn how to control it and focus on the task at hand.”

Reflecting on his early experiences, he recalled, “My first fire was unforgettable. We were a small team, just one engine, and we were waiting for backup to arrive. It was pitch black, but as we turned the corner, the glow of flames illuminated everything. The adrenaline was overwhelming, but you don’t have time to think—you just act. Once it was over, there’s this incredible sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve done your job well. But not every fire ends happily. Some leave you feeling exhausted, questioning whether you could have done more.”

He also recounted a particularly harrowing incident from 2002. “We were dealing with a high-rise fire on the 14th floor. The wind was strong that day, and the fire spread rapidly. We were trying to rescue someone trapped inside when the situation suddenly escalated. The heat was intense, and we had to retreat quickly to avoid injury. Unfortunately, I got burned—second- and third-degree burns on both legs. It took months to recover, but it changed how I approached my job moving forward. Now, I’m hyper-aware of potential dangers and take extra precautions.”

Despite the risks, he admitted, “I genuinely love what I do. Every day I walk out the door, I remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to help others. Sure, there are moments when things don’t go as planned, but overall, it’s deeply fulfilling.”

His perspective shifted over the years too. “Before I had kids, seeing tragic situations involving children didn’t affect me the same way it does now. Having a family makes you realize how precious life is. If I ever encounter a child in distress, it hits differently because I think about my own kids.”

He concluded, “There’s a lot of heartbreak in this line of work, but there are also countless moments of joy and triumph. Saving someone’s life, whether it’s pulling them out of a burning building or performing CPR—it’s those moments that remind you why you chose this path.”

Thanks, Dan!

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