MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A young boy who lost his little sister to gun violence had a very special day.
13-year-old Sherrod Scott had talked about wanted to become a firefighter and on Tuesday he was given the chance to suit up.
“I like to help people because you have to put yourself in a position like, what if that was you? Because you would want to be helped, right?” he said.
Sherrod spent the day gearing up and training with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, thanks in part to an inner-city organization called Miami Children’s Initiative.
“It is through moments like this that we’re trying to make sure that they understand that their dreams are attainable,” said Latousha Daniels with Miami Children’s Initiative. “I am so happy to see the light in his eye, even as he’s wearing his sister’s shirt.”
Sherrod’s little sister, 6-year-old Chassidy Saunders was killed in a hail of gunfire two months ago while she attended a children’s birthday party in Miami.
There have been vigils, public pleas and promised rewards for justice, but no arrests.
Still Sharrod has his eyes set on the future.
“I’m doing good but otherwise you just have to live on with it,” Sherrod said.
With a little guidance and in full gear, Sherrod lived out his dream on Tuesday.
“When kids are not exposed, they just don’t know,” said Capt. Keith Bell with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. “I always say kids can’t be what they can’t see, so if he wants to be a firefighter, Miami-Dade County Fire Department is here for him.”
As for how Sherrod felt after his first day on the job, with a smile he said, “It was fun, but the suit was heavy.”
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