ON THE COVER
AN UNFORESEEN calling
Briton Brassfield enjoys serving others as a captain with the Meridian Fire Department
By Ida Brown MH & S editor Photos by Terrell Clark
Unlike many young boys , Briton Brassfield did not desire to become a fireman when he grew up .
In fact , it would be several years later while working in the healthcare field that Brassfield considered serving the community as a firefighter .
“ Growing up , I ’ d never seen a Black fireman in Meridian , so it wasn ’ t a dream of mine ,” he said . “ I also didn ’ t know what the job entailed or its significance in serving others , particularly the people of the community where you live .”
Today , Brassfield , 34 , not only is a fireman , but he also is the third African American to serve as a captain with the Meridian Fire Department .
“ Serving others is a calling and I ’ ve always had that sense of wanting to help others . Becoming a fireman is one way I ’ m able to do that , which is so fulfilling and gives me purpose ,” he said .
After graduating from Southeast High School in 2005 , Brassfield joined the Air National Guard and served five years with the 186 Refueling Wing at Key Field . After completing basic training , he moved to Jackson and attended Hinds Community College , where he received an associate degree in applied sciences .
During his six years in Jackson , Brassfield worked as a cook at a local hospital . He befriended a fireman with the Jackson Fire Department who would eventually encourage him to apply for a job with the department . When Brassfield informed his mother of his intentions , she encouraged him to also apply with the Meridian Fire Department . “ I really didn ’ t think I would be hired here
( Meridian ),” he said . Brassfield was hired in December 2012 . While he originally applied for the perks of the job .
“ At the time , I felt I needed some stability ,” he said . “ My friend told me you could make good money , get health and life insurance , plus other incentives . At the time , I was out of the Air National Guard and just working . I ’ d started thinking more about my future and decided to give becoming a fireman a shot .”
While the incentives were an attraction , other aspects of the job would prove far more compelling .
“ Once I learned the job and I was back home , it felt right ,” Brassfield said . “ When you go on calls
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