Child Walks Into Firehouse And Leaves Fireman With An Emotional Memory
A firefighter must expect the unexpected at all times — even, apparently, when there are no flames present. FDNY Captain Jim Grismer thought he was prepared for anything the day a 3-year-old boy approached him on the job. The little boy had an emotional story to tell, one Jim hadn't seen coming. Luckily for the boy, however, Jim wasn't speechless for long. As soon as he heard the boy's story, he knew exactly what he had to do.
It’s a calling
Being a firefighter is a calling Jim’s father and uncle also pursued — and is something deeply important to Jim. “A calling that I don’t take lightly at all,” he added. Even with two firefighters in the family, Jim wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life after high school.
Uncovering his passion
It wasn’t until Jim was 21 and in his senior year of college at Oswego State that he discovered his passion for firefighting. “I read a book about firefighters in the early '70s South Bronx, which happened to be a really tough time period,” Jim said.
Following his inspirations
“The stories and perspectives from that book pushed me to become what I am today." The novel that spoke to Jim was Dennis Smith’s Report from Engine Co. 82. It carried him through his first job with Ladder 13 in Yorkville, Illinois, in 1995.
Challenging himself at work
Now, he works in the Upper East Side of New York. Across his 25-year career, Jim has worked tirelessly to achieve the rank of captain. For Jim, ascending is “Difficult, yet rewarding. I’ve always wanted to challenge myself my whole career.” Though these accolades are impressive, they aren’t the most important part of firefighting for Jim.
