Beginning his career as a military firefighter in the United States Air Force in 1986, Neil Reynolds has spent almost 20 years serving his community at SJFD. Reynolds has been driven by his desire to connect with and learn from people ever since his start in the military, and appreciates his career as a firefighter for its role in facilitating trust within his community. Amid the intensity of emergency situations and tragedies, Reynolds’ understanding of his part in helping others motivates him to learn from each call and move forward with positivity. The rewarding personal interactions he has with each rescue and supportive community inspires him to arrive at work with an uplifting mindset each day.

The first time Ludwin Marroquin walked into a fire station, he was a teenager applying for the Fire Explorer program. With one awe-struck look at the trucks and firehouse’s high ceilings, his previous apprehension dissolved into determination toward pursuing a career as a firefighter. After spending time in high school volunteering for the program, he went on to become an emergency medical technician and paramedic, before joining SJFD in 2014. There, he found a second family that supported him through difficult periods away from his family amid long work shifts. Contributing to lasting, positive impacts on people’s lives daily inspires him to focus on the many positives of his career. Marroquin, having learned significant lessons in self-growth through his career, coaches youth in the Fire Explorer program to emphasize the importance of teamwork and responsibility. The ability to give back to his community as a firefighter and paramedic, and the instant gratification of directly helping those in need, drives Marroquin to continuously dedicate himself to his career.

Inspired by his father and uncle at the San Francisco Fire Department, Donald Joseph Alexander II began forging his career path in 1999 as a volunteer firefighter in San Francisco and was hired two years later at SJFD. Despite the competition for a spot at the fire department, Alexander felt the experience was worthwhile when he saw the rewarding results of his rigorous education and training, and he now serves as the SJFD fire captain. Alexander spotlights the importance of patience and understanding in collaborating with a diverse group of people in his field, while building a welcoming community of friends at the fire station. Recognizing his areas for growth and taking constructive criticism or advice from senior firefighters, Alexander maintains an open mind and heart to provide aid and comfort to those in need.