The Chandler Fire Department in Arizona experienced an unusually high number of new arrivals in 2024, with 19 firefighters welcoming babies into their families. A recent Instagram post from the department showcased the proud parents with their offspring, accompanied by a remark highlighting the near 10% increase in their ranks from these new additions, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
During a special family photo shoot, 15 of the babies, ages three weeks to 11 months, were gathered at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center, capturing this remarkable 'baby boom.' "It's pretty amazing... bringing more firefighters into the world," Penni Cyrus, a seven-year veteran of the department and new mother to 11-month-old Kade, told 12 News. The department, which encompasses about 250 members, embraced six boys and thirteen girls last year, underscoring a notable demographic shift within their ranks.
New dad and engineer Jack Bernard humorously suggested “I think there’s just something in the water in Chandler,” reflecting on the collection of babies that includes his seven-month-old daughter, Jersey. Lexi Friedman, Jersey's mother, expressed delight at seeing all the parents and their rapidly growing children together. Donaldo Lopez, meanwhile, a long-time firefighter, celebrated the arrival of his fifth child, “This is my second rainbow baby, so… a big deal for me and my wife,” as noted by 12 News.
The department anticipates an even larger family photo by the end of 2025. Veteran firefighter Lopez emphasized the importance of being a present parent, sharing sage advice with his fellow firefighters: "Hey, if it's a random Thursday and it's your kid's second birthday, you'll remember it," Lopez said. He insists on the significance of cherishing those moments, as they are irreplaceable, as reported by 12 News.
