Firefighter was set to retire after 35 years — his daughter’s one request made his final shift unforgettable
It might be really special for parents to have their child share their interests with them. So when a long-time firefighter's daughter decided to join his profession, he was filled with joy and felt really proud of her. Eventually, when it was time for his retirement, he had an emotional request from his rookie firefighter daughter, who had recently joined the department. The man, Cincinnati Assistant Fire Chief Steve Breitfelder, was glad that he could make an important memory with his daughter, Ella, per WCPO 9.
Steve would retire from the department this December after being with them for over 35 years. So he hoped to do a ride-along with his daughter before his last day. Ella had joined the fire department of Cincinnati as a probationary firefighter after finishing her training in the summer. Although she hadn't thought of becoming a firefighter as a child, she was glad that she tried it out when her dad suggested it. "I had no clue what I wanted to do. He brought the idea up to me and I was like, 'Hey, why not? I'll try it out' and I love it. I can't see myself doing anything else." So Steve decided to ride on the back of the vehicle to be with his daughter and fulfill his wish before retirement.
"It’s been 30 years since I rode in the back of one of these," the man shared. "Isn't that crazy? I do it every day," Ella pointed out. "Friday is my last day in the office after 35 plus years." The daughter joked, "You know what that means? You are old." Steve agreed with his daughter and poked fun at himself as he cleaned the fire truck with her. Soon enough, they were called for an emergency and went together, according to Steve's wish. They were going to check on a 22-year-old woman with chest pains and Ella hoped for a good outcome. They checked on her with the equipment and decided to take the woman to the hospital. They checked her vitals and decided it was the best course of action.
The woman had already been to the doctor for her chest pains, according to Ella. "I can't even find the words to explain it. Very proud," Steve remarked. Ella expressed, "He means a lot. I mean, he was gone a lot throughout my childhood because of being in the military and everything. So, I really just want to make him proud and it is still really hard. But it is still one of the most rewarding things I have ever done." She added, "It makes you want to get better every day." Steve continued, "There you have it. That's what it's all about. Not a better job out there in the world."
As Ella is still new to the job, she also has to go through practice drills every morning. "You wanted to record a typical day at the firehouse. You’re getting it. That’s the key to being a firefighter: you have to be ready to change," Steve explained. Ella hoped that she could make her dad proud one day. People wished the family well in the comments section of the video. @landonleathers5936 wrote, "Very inspirational. Congratulations on your retirement and I thank all of you for your service." @jayg4243 commented, "That's pretty cool for both of them."