How honored we felt to welcome Fire Chief Bertral Washington and the Pasadena Firefighters to our Story Time! This visit was a continuation of the First Aid Badge work some of the Girl Scouts began just a few weeks ago, making it both inspiring and educational for everyone involved.

Chief Washington shared his remarkable journey, beginning with his roots in Inglewood, California. He talked about attending Kelso Elementary School and Westchester High School, then moving on to his college years at Howard University in Washington, D.C., part of the prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) family. After college, he became a teacher at Raymond Avenue in South Central Los Angeles. Later, he moved to Las Vegas, where he embarked on an unconventional path into firefighting. He worked his way up from firefighter to paramedic, eventually becoming Fire Chief for all of Clark County, Nevada, before returning to Pasadena, where his wife grew up.

Chief Washington spoke about his unconventional journey to becoming a firefighter and fire chief, encouraging the girls to pursue careers in firefighting. He emphasized how much they could learn through the Girl Scouts program. The girls asked thoughtful and curious questions. Daisy Anarra wanted to know how he earned his badge, a fantastic question that brought a smile to everyone’s face. Alicia asked what happens when a fire reaches a telephone pole, sparking an engaging discussion.

The second part of the visit featured Captain Chris Reno from Fire Station 36, located just down the street from the library. He introduced his team, which included firefighter-paramedic Carrie and driver-engineer Keith Holloway. Captain Reno shared excellent information about first aid kits, their evolution, and their importance in emergency situations. He also commended Alicia for her homemade first aid kit, which included cough drops and cleverly repurposed a toilet tissue roll as an eco-friendly container.

The crew displayed their professional first aid kit and explained the purpose of its contents. They demonstrated how to bandage a cut and explained the supplies needed to treat injuries properly. Unfortunately, the crew had to leave to respond to an emergency, so the group didn’t get a chance to see the fire truck. However, this didn’t dampen spirits because Chief Washington returned to give the girls toy fire hats and stick-on badges, adding a special touch to the day.

The event wrapped up with root beer floats for everyone, leaving smiles all around. Special thanks go to Dana Washington for coordinating the visit and Lisa Derderian for arranging the crew. The event was open to the community and library visitors, ensuring that not only the Girl Scouts but also other attendees gained valuable insights about first aid, emergency response, and community service.

This unforgettable visit inspired curiosity, celebrated resilience, and fostered a deeper appreciation for our first responders. It was a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration for future generations.