A family calling: Henrico teen to join aunt in fire service

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For many, family is a huge source of inspiration, and for one local firefighter, that inspiration is now coming full circle. Her nephew isn't just following in her footsteps -- he's aiming to join the very same department.

Henrico County Firefighter DeCima Deadmon has spent two years at Station 20, and she loves every single minute of it.

"[It's] something different every single day. The thrill and just being able to learn not only for me, but for everybody else," Deadmon shared.

Her passion for the job runs deep, a feeling she shares with her nephew, Zay Johnson.

(Photo credit: Madison Moore, 8News)

(Photo credit: Madison Moore, 8News)

(Photo credit: Madison Moore, 8News)

"This is his path. He's been sticking with it. He has a plan. He's doing the same exact thing not too long after me. It's kind of exciting," Deadmon said.

Zay, a rising senior at Hermitage High School, took a significant step toward his dream in May when he graduated from the first-ever ACE Fire Fighter Program.

"I definitely learned a lot, gained a lot of experiences, and met new people," Zay said about the program.

This wasn't just classroom learning -- as part of the course, students engaged in a live training exercise, even taking on a burning building under the direct supervision of the Henrico County Fire Department.

The program solidified a dream Zay says he's had since elementary school.

"I went to station ten and I took pictures in the engine when I was little. Looking back at those, knowing since then I always had an interest in firefighting," Johnson recalled.

Luckily for Zay, he has a built-in mentor in his aunt. Deadmon emphasized the importance of their connection.

"Just being able to connect with him and kind of map it out exactly what's going on and the emotions that he might be experiencing, because I have experienced that as well," Deadmon said.

(Photo credit: Madison Moore, 8News)

Henrico County Fire Chief Captain Jackson Baynard highlighted the significance of such family ties within the department.

"Seeing that a family member would recommend to another family member to come work for Henrico Fire, that means a lot. It tells us we're doing something right with our culture," Baynard stated.

He also pointed out the value of Zay's specialized training, noting, "This upcoming year, he's gonna do the EMT program. So those two combined, this provides him a skill set. And any of the students have a skill set to be marketable to emergency services.”

The next chapter for Zay Johnson is already in sight. In the summer of 2027, he plans to officially follow in his aunt's footsteps and apply to be the Henrico County Fire Division.

"It's rewarding seeing him from day one and excelling from that and growing and becoming his own individual self," Deadmon said.