Wes Brinson - Firefighter

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Firefighter Wes Brinson did not come from a family of firefighters. On the contrary, his father and other family members built careers in law enforcement – a path he was open to, but that felt more like honoring family tradition than true passion.  

Meanwhile, a family friend that Brinson had known since childhood was quietly leaving a big impression. That family friend was an LAFD firefighter, and ultimately catalyzed Brinson’s desire to join the fire service.  

Growing up in South Los Angeles, Brinson noticed that this friend was always joyful, present for his family, and deeply fulfilled by his work. He would take Brinson and his family on his boat, an unforgettable experience for a city kid like him. The ability to provide for his family, the dedication to his career, and his kindness deeply inspired Brinson.

“The way he showed up for his family, the way he carried himself – I wanted that,” Brinson reflected.

His friend’s example led him to join the LAFD’s Cadet program (formerly known as the Explorer program), which landed him at Fire Station 64 in Watts.  

As an LA native with a Cadet assignment in South LA, Brinson began to see himself as a firefighter. Serving the communities he grew up in and around made his newfound purpose feel that much more personal.  

“I wanted to do something positive,” Brinson emphasized, “something that would keep me grounded and allow me to give back.”

But just after Brinson completed the LAFD’s written exam and his dreams were coming to fruition, a hiring freeze halted all incoming LAFD applications. Shaken but not deterred, he pivoted.  

Brinson began working at Delta Airlines, earned his degree in fire science from El Camino College, and worked as an EMT. He traveled to more than 20 countries during that time, gaining both life experience and practical skills.

As the years passed and applications remained closed, he began considering other options.  

Brinson was just getting ready to transition to the Los Angeles Police Department when, in perfect timing, the LAFD reopened applications. He did not hesitate, and after scoring 100% on his interview, he joined the LAFD.

Firefighter Brinson would pass by LAFD Fire Station 94 as a kid, often wondering what went on behind those big walls. Ending up there for his first station as a recruit was both exciting and overwhelming.  

The confidence and rhythm he built there prepared him for Fire Station 82, where he responded to his first major structure fire. Relying entirely on instinct and training, Firefighter Brinson moved through the two-story commercial building, performing forcible entry, advancing hose lines, and working inside as conditions changed rapidly.  

When his captain grabbed the back of his collar and pulled him out just before part of the roof collapsed, Firefighter Brinson realized he was doing exactly what he had always worked toward. That close call reinforced the reality of the job, and that preparation, teamwork, and trust can mean the difference between life and death.  

But Firefighter Brinson knew that not every call ended positively. One incident involving a young child struck in an accident deeply impacted him and his crew. Despite all their best efforts, the child did not survive – a stark reminder that firefighters often respond on the worst day of someone’s life.

In the aftermath, what stood out most was the support from his crew. They checked in on each other, using communal spaces to lean on their shared experience and ensure that no one carried the weight alone.

“It sticks with you,” he said of those heartbreaking calls, “but we make sure we’re there for each other.”  

That sense of connection, responsibility, and a heart for young people ignited a new journey for Firefighter Brinson. After several years in the field, he transitioned into the LAFD’s Training and Recruitment Section, where he now works directly with Cadets, high school students, and aspiring firefighters. For Firefighter Brinson, this new role brings his whole firefighting journey full circle.  

He recalled the impact of having a mentor in his family friend who reflected his community and showed him what was possible. “I see myself in these kids,” he said, “and I want to give back what was given to me.”  

Today, he guides young people through the early stages of their firefighting journeys, teaching them foundational skills, building confidence, and encouraging them to push past self-doubt. His message to the next generation of firefighters is simple, but powerful: try.  

“Don’t quit before you’ve given yourself a chance,” is the advice Firefighter Brinson gives his students. “No one is going to wait until you’re ready to save someone’s life. You have to be ready to step up.”

For Firefighter Brinson, being a firefighter has always been more than emergency response – it’s about showing up for your community, your team, and the next generation.  

In the same way someone once did for him, Firefighter Brinson is helping firefighter hopefuls see themselves in the work and reimagine what’s possible.