“I am a first-generation Firefighter in my family and it is unexplainable the opportunities given to me once I joined this Department. The family environment here makes me feel like I’m never going to work,” said Engine 276 Firefighter Stefon Douglas, who is from East Flatbush and who has been with the Department for six years. “I worked for Con Edison for eight years and would frequently run into a retired Firefighter when checking the meters at his home. I would express to him my interest in joining the FDNY and he actually paid for my exam application back in 2011. I take pride in and the other members of my firehouse take pride in being able to work from this firehouse and in this neighborhood. As a resident of Brooklyn, I strive to perform to the best of my abilities for my city every day.”
On June 5, while off-duty, Douglas rescued a child from an all-hands fire in Brooklyn. He used the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in his car from a Career Day event he attended last week to help him perform the rescue as safely as possible.
“I have mutual friends who are teachers and whenever they ask me to come and speak to the kids and show them the equipment we use, I always try to make myself available to them. Although my equipment was limited, I am happy I was able to reach the child and save her from the fire,” he said.
The Brooklyn Firefighter is also Trinidadian and he noted that his upbringing has instilled in him the value of hard work and perseverance.
“My father and mother are both from Trinidad and they always taught me to work hard in life. I always wanted to be the first something in my family and I became the first Firefighter. This was the best decision I ever made and I’m looking forward to when I have kids someday, so they can live the Firefighter culture by learning to help the community, going to the company picnics and dinner dances and all the events I love about this job,” he added. “For anyone who is interested in joining this Department, I recommend using the resources given to you, whether it is online or speaking to your local Firefighter. The best part about this job is that all of the people you report to, your Chiefs, Captains, and Lieutenants, have all been in your shoes before. They are always ready and willing to answer questions and provide feedback from their experiences in order to make you a better Firefighter.”
Like Douglas, you can help New Yorkers every day as one of our Firefighters. Read the eligibility requirements for this career today by clicking here. #CaribbeanAmericanHeritageMonth
