Meet Firefighter/EMT Diego Herrera

Where are you stationed? 
I’m currently working at Station 7 (McKenna Blvd) on the 'B' shift.

Have you always wanted to be a firefighter?
In a way, I always wanted to serve people and be helpful, I just didn’t have it narrowed down to being a firefighter. I joined the Army Reserves, and it was a bit fulfilling, but it was there where I met some mentors who were firefighters and EMTs. Their love for the job was apparent and made me want to try it for myself, so I got my EMT license and worked for a bit on a private ambulance and tried for a few years to become a firefighter.

What has been your most memorable day on the job so far?
The most memorable day on the job so far was a car fire I had while at my first station. It was at 3 in the morning, and I was on the nozzle. I had to pull the hose down an embankment through a bunch of shrubbery and, the next thing you know, the fire was out. Despite the challenges of terrain, location of the car, and the low visibility because it was at night, having the help of the crew I was with that night made it almost seamless, which I really appreciated.

What is something you love about Madison?

Something I love about the City of Madison is the abundance of parks and walking trails. It’s really easy to get out and be surrounded by nature without having to go too far from home.

If you were having a dinner party, who would you invite and what meal would you prepare?
If I was having a dinner party, I would probably prepare some enchiladas. I’d invite my grandma, my mom, sister and brother. My grandma passed away in 2011 but we still have her enchilada recipe, and I’d like to show her that I can make them almost as good as her. As for my mom and siblings, they live in Chicago, so anytime I get to see them and cook for them it is a pleasure.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

I have a goal to visit every Major League Baseball stadium; I’ve currently visited 6, so it’s a slow process, but I’m working towards it and hope to double that number next season.