Watch: Terminally Ill Boy Gets Day As A Firefighter

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — An 8-year-old terminally ill boy's dreams of protecting and serving his community one day as a firefighter came true sooner than he thought. On Saturday, Dec. 9, fire alarms rang and a call came through for young Yeshua Thrower.

"Yeshua, I’m short one firefighter and we need your help," said Santa Clara County Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Shumate. "I want to know if you can step in to help protect our citizens?"

"Yes sir. I can," said Yeshua.

It was an opportunity he may not otherwise have. At the age of 4, Yeshua was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a form of the disease that progressively weakens and deteriorates muscle mass, causing those affected to lose their ability to walk and lift objects. Yeshua’s uncle died of the progressive disease at the age of 19.

Santa Clara County Fire Department’s leadership team heard of Yeshua's desire to be a firefighter and made his wish come true, said Luisa Rapport, spokeswoman for the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Santa Clara County Firefighters, their families and Santa Clara County Firefighters Local 1165 all pitched in to make the day a memorable one for the young boy.

"I’m so grateful to everyone here for making this possible," said Yeshua’s mother, who watched as her son was dispatched and responded to put out a mock structure fire. "You made our dream come true."

During the call for service, Yeshua suited up and deployed with County Fire Engine 78, from the Sunnyoaks Fire Station in Campbell. During the 5-minute drive, with sirens and flashing lights blazing, Yeshua was briefed on the situation: "a fire at a large commercial building was putting people’s lives in danger."

Upon arrival at County Fire’s McCormack Training Center, Yeshua and other firefighters located the fire. Yeshua assisted with extinguishing the simulated blaze, then pitched in with the crew on Truck 85 who demonstrated a vehicle extrication, Rapport said.

"The fire service is a family, both for those who are already in and those who have yet to be," Rapport said. "We take care of each other, and Yeshua more than proved he has what it takes to be part of our Santa Clara County Fire Department family."

Photo and video courtesy Santa Clara County Fire Department