Boy Who Had Heart Transplant Becomes Detroit Firefighter
DETROIT (AP) - A 3-year-old heart transplant recipient got to be a firefighter for a day on Tuesday, arriving at a Detroit station in style on a truck with lights flashing and sirens blazing.
Make-A-Wish of Michigan, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, made the event possible.
Wearing a helmet, boots and a tiny firefighter's suit, Tyren Johnson was greeted by two Dalmatians - an actual dog and one in a plush Dalmatian mascot-type suit - when he arrived at Detroit Fire Engine 54.
Volunteers, firefighters, police and a group of children from nearby Christ is King School were on hand to wish Tyren well.
Tyren sprayed a fire hose, enjoyed a favorite meal of chicken and potatoes and received a special badge from Battalion Chief John King.
"We're glad and proud to have you here today," King told his newest recruit. "I hope this makes your dream come true, and hopefully about 16 years from now, you'll be standing where they're at right now."
Tyren had the heart transplant procedure performed within the past year.
His mother, Teisha Johnson, said her son is doing well and continues to take his medicine.
Asked what made Tyren want to be a firefighter, she laughed and said: "He just likes trucks, loud stuff."
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