For members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, working as a first responder and serving the community go hand in hand. So it comes as no surprise that Captain Danny Wu, a firefighter for 16 years, is actively involved in many community service projects, both inside the LAFD and in his personal life.
Yet what sets Wu apart is his unwavering commitment to two projects in particular: The LAFD/LAPD Annual St. Baldrick’s Event, which raises big sums for childhood cancer, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, which provides one-to-one mentoring to children facing adversity.
Wu’s connections to both reflect his personal passions. He became involved with St. Baldrick’s 13 years ago, when his captain at the time, aware of Wu’s education and business experience, asked for his help. Today, Wu continues to lead the event simply because he believes “it is the right thing to do.” This altruism is what motivates Wu to wholeheartedly devote himself to the project, pulling all-nighters in the days leading up to the event to ensure everything is ready. Such commitment, paired with support from his LAPD counterpart, has enabled St. Baldrick’s continued success, with over $1M in total funds raised.
Wu’s dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles is just as strong. A firm believer in “tough love,” Wu has for 13 years been committed to setting a positive example for his “little brother.” This past spring, the two participated in a graduation ceremony where they were honored for the duration of their relationship. Though Wu’s “little brother” is now 18 and a graduate of the program, the two continue to speak regularly, and Wu maintains his enduring tough love.
Wu’s exemplary leadership with these organizations — as well as with Fire Cadet Post 89, where he has been a co-advisor for 13 years — has earned him recognition throughout the LAFD. He won the LAFD Community Service Award in 2011 and, earlier this year, accepted a new role as Emergency Medical Services Captain at Operations Valley Bureau.
For Wu, community service is not about attention or prestige. Each year, he says, he and his LAPD St. Baldrick’s counterpart play rock/paper/scissors to determine who has to speak to the cameras. Recognition is not what motivates him. Instead, Captain Wu merely believes in improving people’s lives.