Daniel Nakamura, Firefighter

“In moments of crisis, I want to be there.”

Firefighter Daniel Nakamura heard the call toward a life of service at an early age. Born in Pomona, his mother’s family served in law enforcement and his father was a pastor. Each day brought new lessons about helping the community, selflessness, and responsibility.

As an Eagle Scout, Daniel lived the motto of “Do a good turn daily.” While he seemed destined to follow in one of his parents’ footsteps, he always wondered what path would be right for him. At church, one of the congregants was a captain in the fire department, and his stories inspired Daniel. When he neared the end of high school and started to plan his future, he saw three paths ahead: law enforcement, the military…and the fire department.

Yet of these choices, only one seemed to fit just right.

“I wanted to give back to the community in times of need. To provide assistance to anyone, whether they were right or wrong.”

Before making his decision, Daniel attended school and learned how to perform as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). While in college, he met the woman that would become, in his words, “my WAY better half.” With his life coming together, only one part was missing: a career.

Daniel Joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2017, finishing out his probationary period in 2018. He soon found himself working out of Fire Station 33, supporting “Fire City.” This busy station earned its nickname with constant, chaotic calls. Daniel found it to be a deeply satisfying experience. “It’s different when the responsibility is on your shoulders. We’re held to a high standard. We have to bring our best to the community.”

Captain II Robert Barna of Fire Station 33 sees Daniel as “someone who brings people together. He organized a family day [at the station] on his own.” On the job, Captain Barna sees Daniel as “operating at the highest level of professionalism.”

Daniel’s motto after each call is “What could we have done better?” He constantly seeks to improve, to support, and that drive has led him on his next major path: To become a chaplain within the LAFD. “My faith is my foundation. I wouldn’t be the man I am without God’s grace.” Once he completes his training, Daniel will be called to provide a “ministry of presence” on especially difficult calls. He will lend his strength and support to the men and women of his departmental family.

Captain II Brian Wall, Daniel’s former supervisor, was thrilled to learn of his nomination.

“[Daniel] is one of the most selfless people you will meet.  He would do anything for anyone, anytime. His strong faith in God has genuinely shaped this family man into a role model for all of us. Having Daniel as one of my team members, firefighters, and friends was a privilege. He can often provide grounding and clarity to all around him. You will always make the right decision after consulting with Daniel.”

Daniel felt his nomination was only possible due to the love and support of his wife Desiree. “If I’m the Firefighter of the Month, she is the Wife of the Lifetime!” With 2 boys and a third on the way, Desiree and Daniel celebrate their blessings and look forward to the future.