First Hispanic Firefighter Joins IL Department

April 3, 2019
"I love being a part of that history," said Adrian Trujillo, who has started with the Belvidere Fire Department as a probationary member.

An Illinois fire department has hired its first Hispanic firefighter.

Adrian Trujillo joined the Belvidere Fire Department as a probationary member, WTVO-TV reports. Born and raised in Belvidere, Trujillo's interest in firefighting began early as an intern with the department.

"I love being a part of that history. It amazes me," he told WTVO. "I know, growing up, I never saw (Hispanic representation). So just being able to be that role model and be that person, be that bridge between that community and the rest of the community, is great."

Besides the aspirational benefits of having a firefighter with a Hispanic background for the first time in the department's 130 years, Trujillo's ability to speak Spanish is an asset in Belvidere.

"Yeah, it's wonderful to have Adrian," Capt. Shawn Schadele told WTVO. "Twenty-five percent of Belvidere's population speaks Spanish or can speak Spanish. So that's one in four. So there's definitely been times on calls where I've tried my best to do the Spanish that I've learned through school and through college, and having someone, like Adrian, on the scene to really connect with people during those times.