Over a few days inn April, LA first responders were honored to make an 8-year old boy’s dreams come true. Noah Cohen, from Vermont, was diagnosed at birth with a rare disease that required him to endure 24 surgeries. But despite his life-threatening condition, he still continues to be energetic and positive.
Noah has a strong fascination with the lifestyle of firefighters and police officers. With the aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Noah and his family to travel to Los Angeles to fulfill his wish: experiencing the excitement of being a Los Angeles Firefighter and Los Angeles Police Officer.
Noah arrived at LAX and walked down the stairs of the plane with an enormous smile on his face. He waved dramatically at the firefighters, police officers, and news reporters that greeted him with open arms. His welcoming ceremony included an opportunity to ride in a firetruck, and he and his family were presented with special gifts and uniform apparel.
The LAFD was excited to assist Noah in continuing his emergency services career when he joined the Recruit Class at Drill Tower 40 in San Pedro. He was provided a swearing-in speech and an honorary acceptance, got fitted in protective equipment, and was run through a specialized training course.
Noah then had to implement his newly acquired skills in extinguishing a fire, taking vital signs in a simulated medical emergency, then assisted extricating a trapped victim from a traffic collision by raising the vehicle off a patient utilizing an air bag system.
Young Firefighter Cohen was then provided a graduation and swore a modified oath-of-office, then had a firefighter badge pinned on him and was given a special plaque.
Finally, Noah went to sea at Fire Station 112 in San Pedro where he got an up-close look at Fireboat 2, the City’s largest, and then joined the firefighters for lunch.
All agencies involved were moved by this brave young man and were honored to provide a memorable experience that we will never forget, and we hope he doesn’t either.
By Erik Scott, PSO
Photos by Adam Van Gerpen
