I wish to be a firefighter
Gabriel
20
genetic disorder
Gabriel's Wish to be a Firefighter
Gabriel's love for firetrucks has been life-long!
Wish kid Gabriel has genetic conditions that have caused developmental delays and communication challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from letting his parents know exactly what he likes. Gabriel’s parents say he has been in love with firefighters his entire life. They started taking him to parades that featured fire trucks and frequently visit the firehouse museum. He gets so excited and smiles whenever he sees the different types of trucks - especially when they light up.
When Make-A-Wish reached out to discuss his wish, his parents knew that he would love to ride on a fire truck and see a working firehouse. We partnered with the Glendale Fire Department - Station 21 to grant Gabriel’s wish. They planned a special surprise where he would be able to become a firefighter and save the day!
As soon as Gabriel got to the firehouse, he was greeted by the captain of the fire department, which he loved. Because Gabriel is non-verbal, the team created colorful signs with images of activities and Gabriel could point out which activity he wanted to do first. He had many options including riding on the fire truck, taking pictures in firefighter gear, spraying the hose, and going on a tour of the fire station. He was able to take the day at his own pace and was excited to try everything.
The first activity he chose was trying on firefighter gear and taking a picture with the Station 21 crew. Then he was able to ride around Glendale on the fire truck. The firefighters blew the horn and turned on the lights for Gabriel. He was also able to spray the hose with the help of a fireman. He had a blast and even saw when they left for a real fire call.
Gabriel then got a tour of the fire station and even got to sit with some firefighters and learn more about their work. They talked about what they do and even demonstrated how they must put on their firefighter gear in less than 3 minutes. At the end of the day, they took out their biggest truck with a huge ladder and demonstrated how they open it when they need to go on the roof of a building. A firefighter climbed the extremely tall ladder and waved to Gabriel.
Everyone could see Gabriel’s joy as he looked around wide-eyed at the firehouse and enjoyed his day. His parents were so happy that their son got to be an honorary firefighter. Gabriel was gifted a poster with himself as the driver and a basket filled with memorabilia from the station. When Gabriel was leaving, he waved and said goodbye to the fire trucks. It was an amazing experience for everyone involved to see this special boy get his wish.
Thank you to the Glendale Fire Department - Station 21 for creating a memorable experience for Gabriel and to Trailer Park Group for sponsoring his wish!
