Lessons from Dad

For many IAFF members, the path to the fire service started at home.

Whether it was a reminder to work hard, protect their reputation, or never stop learning, the advice they received from their fathers continues to shape how they approach the job today.

Here are a few of their stories: 

Halifax, NS Local 268 Fire Fighter Matt Swanson always knew he wanted to be in public safety.

“Watching my dad run out the door and get on a fire truck was pretty cool to me,” Swanson said.

When he became a career fire fighter, his father gave advice about the realities of the job. “It was more of a talk of, you’re going to see some things that will be uncomfortable, and it’s not all rainbows and sunshine, and to take the job seriously and to work hard,” Swanson said.

One lesson stayed with him. 

“He just said, ‘It takes a long time to build a good reputation,’” Swanson said. “I took that and ran with it. I’m still working hard every day.”

The pair have also had opportunities to work together. One memorable shift included responding to a fire on the same engine company.

“It was pretty cool having him drive me there,” Swanson said. “I got to stretch a line and call for water, and he got to watch me knock the fire down.”

For his father, Chris, seeing his son follow in his footsteps is a source of pride.

“It feels good to have one of my sons join the fire department, knowing the legacy will continue. I’m proud of both of my sons,” said Matt’s dad and Local 268 member Chris Swanson. “Having a passion for the job is what counts.”

Tampa, FL Local 754 Fire Fighter/Paramedic Lauren Glanton-Fullwood grew up watching her father respond to emergencies both on and off the job.

Years later, their careers overlapped when Lauren began her rookie year as her father was preparing to retire after 25 years with Tampa Fire Rescue.

“There were times when we got to work calls together where he would be in charge of the scene, and I would be able to assist,” Fullwood said. “It was really cool not only seeing him in action, but then also telling me and commanding me on what to do with patients during critical trauma alerts.”

The advice she carries most came from her father early in her career.

“My dad told me at the start of my career to always remember that your everyday, meaning every shift, could be a patient or a citizen’s worst day,” she said.

“You can empathize with your patients but also remember you have a task at hand that you have to do,” she said. 

In 2021, Fullwood became the first female legacy fire fighter/paramedic in Tampa Fire Rescue’s 100-year history to follow her father into the department.

“I was ecstatic that Lauren followed in my footsteps to become a fire fighter. Lauren is my hero, and I’m so proud of her,” said retired Local 754 member Larry Glanton Sr.

For Tulsa, OK Local 176 probationary fire fighter Brennan Bresee, the dream of becoming a fire fighter started when he was young.

Brennan and his father Frank’s story recently gained national attention after a video showed his father calling to tell him he had been hired by the Tulsa Fire Department. Frank became overwhelmed with emotion as he shared the news.

The moment spread widely and included an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

But for Brennan, the moment was the result of a dream shaped by watching his dad serve.

“Just going to the fire station, seeing my dad and how happy he was and how much passion he had when he got to show me the truck and show me around the station was just super cool and super inspiring for me to want to pursue that career as well,” Brennan said.

As Brennan begins his career, Frank, a longtime member of Local 176, hopes this one piece of advice will remain with his son throughout his career: “Never stop growing and learning.”