Wish kid becomes Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter for a day

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An 11-year-old with Cystic Fibrosis had his wish granted Tuesday to become a firefighter. 

Samuel Vilchis-Fajardo got to roll with the big boys after receiving his official Tampa Fire Rescue badge.

It was Samuel's wish to be a firefighter for a day, so the city of Tampa made his wish come true.

His day began with a simulated extraction call.

“He must have watched a lot of videos on firefighters. He knew exactly what to do, how to start the saws,” said Tampa Fire Rescue Captain Richard Kelly. 

After the extraction, a call came in for a raging fire.

“He did a great job. I couldn't see any more enthusiastic kid. He loved it,” Kelly said. 

It all came together thanks to Make a Wish Southern Florida, which has granted thousands of wishes to children with critical illnesses, just like Samuel. 

“Our son is a wish child. I can tell you, no matter what the illness is, a child loses a part of childhood,” said Wish Granter Roger Zehr. “This organization does amazing things to give a little bit of time back to a child." 

Afterward, Samuel gave a thumbs-up and thanked the firefighters. He was smiling ear to ear. 

For more information on Make-A-Wish Southern Florida or to get involved, visit www.sfla.wish.org.