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Firefighter Robinson describes path to the job and life at Highland Park Fire Department
Summary
Firefighter Robinson said a childhood cartoon inspired his career, described a typical shift of roll call, chores and varied emergency calls, and recounted a veteran firefighter gifting him a helmet lid as an example of the department's camaraderie.
Firefighter Robinson said Thursday that a childhood cartoon inspired his interest in firefighting and that mentorship from local firefighters helped him pursue the career.
“Growing up in this community...there was this cartoon character called Fireman Sam on the ... free networks we used to have,” Robinson said, describing the early spark that led him to speak with firefighters and eventually join the Highland Park Fire Department.
Robinson outlined a typical day on shift: roll call, station chores, shared meals, and responding to a range of calls — from EMS lift assists to occasional kitchen and house fires. “It's never the same day,” he said, summarizing the unpredictable nature of the work.
He also shared a personal story about acquiring a helmet lid. A more senior firefighter, Robinson said, offered his own lid rather than sell it. “He said, 'No, we look out for our own here,'” Robinson recounted, calling the gesture impactful and illustrative of the department's culture.
No departmental policy announcements or operational changes were made; the remarks were a mix of career background and public-facing description of firefighting work.
