Teen With Cancer Honored As Firefighter For A Day

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PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) - The men and women of Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue helped make a dream come true for a very sick teen.

"They're great people and they save people's lives," said 16-year old David Frey.

Frey, who has Acute Lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), always wanted to be a firefighter and Thursday he became one - at least for a day.

"I didn't expect this, it's a surprise," he said.

Frey and his family also didn't expect the diagnosis he got last November, ALL is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

His family contacted the city's fire department and because of Frey's bravery and resiliency, they granted David's wish and made him an honorary firefighter.

"He's always wanted to be a firefighter and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and aunt who is a fire chief officer in West Palm Beach," said Sandra Luis.

Frey's grandfather, a retired chief from Miramar Fire Rescue, proudly pinned his badge. Frey also received a custom firefighter uniform and gear. He then got hands on experience including operating controls on a fire truck and using a water cannon on a ladder truck bucket.

At the end of the day Frey had a message for other children and teens going through tough situations...just keep fighting.