FOXFIELD, Colo. — South Metro Firefighter Garrett Horsfall doesn't share why he became a firefighter often. It centers around one day in high school when he felt helpless and decided he didn't want to feel like that again.
Horsfall was in the cafeteria on April 20, 1999, during the shooting at Columbine High School.
He remembers Littleton firefighters rushing into his school to help and knew that's who he wanted to be, as well.
He said maybe becoming a firefighter was always a part of his destiny but what happened in high school made sure it came true.
He sat down with Next with Kyle Clark to talk about his journey over the last 20 years.
Why did you want to become a firefighter?
"It was a calling. Something I needed to do to feel fulfilled in my own life to feel accomplished outside of my family.”
When did you realize you wanted to become a firefighter?
"It was after April 20, 1999. I was a student at the cafeteria at Columbine High School. The overwhelming feeling of not knowing what to do, not being in the position to help people, was a lot of weight that made me feel a drive to become a person that could help people when they can't help themselves."
“It was within days I said, 'Oh, I'm going to be a firefighter.' That's what I'm going to do. Right after high school, I went straight to red rocks and went to a fire academy and immediately went after being a firefighter."
What are some of the moments that stand out to you during your career so far?
"The first fire you run. The first car accident you really made a difference and the first time you essentially bring someone back to life, all those firsts gave me the ok I did it I accomplished what I wanted to do."
You talked about empathy and how what happened in high school changed that for you.
"I truly have a lot more empathy than I might have had otherwise. I can see what they are going through, where their emotions are all over their face when they are going through a hard time. To be able to empathize and talk to people and calm them down and let them know I've seen bad things like this before and you are going to make it. You're going to be good and things are going to be better."
Do you face triggers while at work?
"I know it's going to trigger and potentially going to hurt but the good out weights the bad.”
“For myself, I was able to turn it into a positive thing for myself and my family.”
“It's amazing and feels good to be my own success story. I wouldn't change my career for anything else in the world. I'm proud and happy to be here and do what I do."
Watch our interview with Horsfall in the video above.
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