Faces & Stories

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Kofi Adeyemi

“Being a firefighter isn't just a job, it's a calling. Every day I put my life on the line to help others, and there's nothing more rewarding than that.”

Growing up in a village in Togo, Kofi Adeyemi always dreamed of being a hero. He spent his childhood running around with a makeshift cape and fighting off imaginary villains. Fast-forward to today and he's finally living his dream, albeit without the cape. As a firefighter in Los Angeles, Kofi's bravery and quick-thinking have saved countless lives and earned him the respect of his colleagues. But behind the uniform, Kofi is a devoted husband and father of two, who loves nothing more than spending his days off playing soccer in the park with his kids.

What inspired you to become a firefighter?

Ever since I was a little boy, I've always admired people who put themselves in harm's way to help others. Firefighters have always been my heroes, so it was a natural career choice for me.

What's the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of being a firefighter is probably dealing with the aftermath of a fire. You never really get used to seeing the devastation and loss that fires can cause, and it can be emotionally draining to witness firsthand.

A raging inferno weaves through the building, as bright orange flames lift off of the roof.
Watching the flames dance around me, I know that my job is to snuff them out. It's a dangerous dance, but somebody's got to do it.
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