On this Throwback Thursday, the spotlight is on former Proby of the Month Ladder 168 Firefighter Chi Ho Li. Since being featured on #JoinFDNY in 2015, Li has cross trained in fire operations, as well as become a husband. He previously served in Engine 243, which is also in his current firehouse in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
“About a year ago, I transferred to the truck and it’s been a great experience because I’ve been learning more about this job,” he said. “I’ve been helping with more search and rescues and other emergencies, using new tools in different scenarios and I just feel like this job just keeps getting better and better.”
Li also works in a diverse community that includes a large Asian population and he noted that his fluency in Cantonese is often utilized when helping the public.
“I’m from Brooklyn, so I feel connected to this community and being able to help with the language barrier with the residents here has been important to me because it’s another way I can give back to the city,” he explained. “This is the best job by far because you get to help others, you learn so much about being a first responder and you get to work with a great group of people who have your back. I loved it back when I was a Proby and I still love it now.”
As a member of Ladder 168, Firefighter Li noted that he’s learning more about being a Firefighter by using different tools at emergencies.
