Christopher Echele always wanted to be a firefighter.
For his 46th birthday, Eureka firefighters helped Echele, who is wheelchair-bound and has worked 25 years as a greeter at Walmart, achieve that goal Tuesday.
"I've been a fan of the fire service ever since I was a kid and never really outgrew it," Echele told KTVI. "So, to be able to meet and interact with all these guys is amazing."
Firefighters with the Eureka Fire Protection District surprised Echele at the store. They made him an honorary firefighter, picked up his mother and took them for a ride around their neighborhood.
Echele has shown a lot of support for the Eureka Fire Protection District. Firefighters worked on the surprise with Walmart store managers. Firefighters told Echele he can visit the station when ever he wants.
"This was amazing," Echelle told KTVI. "I was shocked."
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