Focus on a Firefighter: Firefighter / Shift Mechanic Selvin Sotelo

I became a member of the Beverly Hills Fire Department in August of 2008, at the age of 47. I live in Culver City with my wife of 23 years, Lucia, and our 6 children: Caleb, Sarah, Leah, Joshua, Joseph and Gabriel. My first glorious year after probation was spent on the C shift as a firefighter on Engine 1, where I continued to learn and apply fundamental firefighting and EMT skills. At the end of that year, I transferred to the B shift and was appointed Shift Mechanic on Truck 4, which is my current position.
However, I didn’t always want to be a firefighter. I graduated from Compton High School in 1979 with a small academic scholarship to UCLA. I studied Civil Engineering for three years, completing my general education and some upper division courses before leaving due to academic difficulties. This low point in my career was offset by meeting my future wife while attending a campus Bible Study in the spring of 1982. We were married in 1988 and started our family soon after.
I felt I needed something worthwhile to offer and care for my new family, so I went back to school at night to learn a trade, earning an occupational certificate in Automotive Technology from Santa Monica College. I soon landed a steady job at a local Lincoln/Mercury dealership, progressing from apprentice to ASE Master Automotive/Heavy Truck Mechanic over the course of 15 years. In March of 2005, I began working as a certified Fire Mechanic for the Beverly Hills Fire Department.
It was here that I was exposed to firefighter culture and was very much impressed by the firefighters’ skills, intelligence, reliability, and dedication to helping others. Many of them began to approach me and suggest that I consider becoming a firefighter. They said they valued my skills and work ethic and would be glad to help and direct me through the process in any way they could. They also assured me that my age was not a deficit but an asset due to the life experience I possess. So, it was back to school – Fire Science, EMT, Fire Academy, LOTS of exercise – and finally, Probationary Firefighter. As far as my future is concerned, I plan oto continue to hone my skills as a Firefighter/EMT, and begin preparing for the next Engineer’s exam by becoming a relief driver. This would be the logical progression for me due to the skills I already possess.
This career has been nothing short of exciting and satisfying. Once, a routine medical call turned into a structure fire in the building next door. But rather than being taken by surprise, the training and experience of the crew turned a potential disaster into a minor, manageable incident. Decisions were made, the crew was divided to address both needs, extra resources were quickly acquired, and life and property were saved. It was an example of what makes this career so rewarding.
Everything we do – whether it’s training, drills, maintaining equipment, learning new skills, or spending a holiday or birthday at the station instead of at home – is for the welfare and benefit of others.