Juan C.'s Helmet

My helmet reminds me that a calling to help those in need will always unite us.

When I started at the fire academy there were only two of us recruits who were not white. I was also one of the few that didn't come from generations of firefighters. I was nervous and a little lost. I questioned whether this was the right move for me.

Despite the ups and downs of the academy, I realized that my department was exactly where I belonged. It didn't matter that I was born in Colombia, and my fellow firefighters were born here. What mattered was that we all wanted to support our community. That attitude keeps us connected as we help others in crisis.