Julian Serrano | West Palm Beach, FL
“It is our duty to improve.”
Firefighter Julian Serrano
In the world of firefighting, every individual's journey is unique, and shaped by personal experiences and challenges. One such inspiring story is that of Julian, a firefighter with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, who has a passion for bringing out the extraordinary in himself and others. In this article, we dive into Julian's personal and professional evolution, from entitlement to extraordinary, exploring the lessons he's learned, his love for the fire service, and his vision for the future of the firefighting community.
What initially inspired you to join the fire service?
Julian's love for the fire service was cultivated from an early age, influenced by his father's close ties with firefighters through his sanitation business. The options presented to Julian for his future were entrepreneurship, military service, or becoming a firefighter. Ultimately, Julian found himself embracing two out of the three options – entrepreneurship and firefighting.
His experiences, from seeing fire trucks as a child to actively participating in fire station visits during middle and high school, solidified his calling to be a firefighter. Described as a “natural shepherd” who always looked out for others, Julian's innate qualities aligned seamlessly with the demands of the firefighting profession.
Julian acknowledged the privilege of growing up with parents who worked hard to provide him with a good childhood. His background led him to develop a mindset of entitlement and a limited understanding about the challenges that others faced. After high school, fueled by a desire to become a firefighter, Julian faced a harsh reality check when an injury forced him to reevaluate his path. At this pivotal moment, his journey took a positive turn as he embraced self-development, becoming a student of life and adopting the relentless pursuit towards being the best version of himself.
As Julian gained experience with various fire departments, including Marion County Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, he later created "Prepared to Fight Fire," a training program aimed at building a mindset of resilience, self-awareness, and spirituality among firefighters, focusing on fostering a positive mindset and helping firefighters recognize their inherent greatness, both professionally and personally.
Is there a message you'd like to share with others in the fire service?
Julian's message for the firefighting community has remained clear – “It is our duty to improve.” He emphasizes the importance of continuous development, both physically and mentally, and encourages firefighters to be aware of their overall wellness. He reminds them to overcome complacency, laziness, and resistance to change. His goal is to improve the narrative within the fire service, stressing that every individual possesses the tools and capabilities to be extraordinary. Julian rejects the notion of entitlement and highlights the unique challenges faced by firefighters; he reminds them of the need to be heroes at work and personally proud of the individuals they see in the mirror.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
In his personal life, Julian is committed to living authentically, prioritizing health and wellness. He is married to a woman whom he loves and considers his best friend. He is passionate about experiences that create lasting memories, he strives to avoid superficial pursuits, and he lives a life filled with purpose and meaning. Julian envisions becoming a motivational speaker, aiming to share his story and energy with large audiences.
He tells us: “Just because you're living doesn't mean you are alive. And you know, every day, I want to feel alive.”
What changes do you foresee in the fire service in the next five years?
Serrano believes that many passionate people are joining the fire service. The leaders of the future need to set high standards, striving to show new firefighters the true mission of the fire department. Acknowledging the attrition of experienced firefighters, Julian calls on the newer generation to step up, hold the standard, and ensure that the mission of the fire department is understood and upheld.
He shares with us the positive changes that he has already seen during his last six years at the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, improvements including more physical training, the acquisition of new tools, and fresh negotiations about scheduling and work hours.
In recounting a unique story from his firefighting career, Julian shares a valuable lesson learned about maintaining a positive mindset. Reflecting on a particularly busy shift with multiple calls, he found himself complaining about being called out by the sheriff's office for seemingly trivial matters. A wise captain reminded him that firefighters are public servants, and are paid to run calls, not to question the nature of the call.
“If you look up the word ‘servant,’ it means to aid or help in any capacity. If we lose that train of thought, we get entitled, we think we're above certain things. And we're not above that; we're public servants. At the end of the day, we need to serve in every capacity.”
This experience served as a wake-up call for Julian, reinforcing the idea that entitlement has no place in the fire service. This lesson has stuck with him, guiding his perspective on the mission of the fire department.
Julian's journey from entitlement to extraordinary serves as a beacon of inspiration for the firefighting community and beyond. His commitment to self-improvement, mindset development, and reshaping the culture within the fire service is evident in the "Prepared to Fight Fire" program. As we navigate the challenges and changes within the fire service, Julian's story reminds us of the power of authenticity, continuous improvement, and the duty to serve with pride and purpose.
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