Chandler Firefighters Honor 19 New Faces with Heartwarming Family Photo Shoot

CHANDLER, Ariz. — On Saturday morning, the Chandler Fire Department held a unique celebration, gathering 15 of their newest members for a special group photo shoot. Each of these firefighters had welcomed a child in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the department.

Among the proud parents was Penni Cyrus, a firefighter for seven years. “His name is Kade… he’s 11 months old,” she shared, highlighting the community’s remarkable baby boom. “Not this many in one year,” she remarked, reflecting on the influx of new babies.

This year alone, 19 babies joined the families of Chandler firefighters. Jack Bernard, a recent father, joked, “I think there’s just something in the water in Chandler,” noting that the babies comprised six boys and thirteen girls.

One proud mom, Lexi Friedman, expressed joy at seeing everyone together. Her daughter, Jersey, is seven months old. “It’s super cool to see all the moms and babies together,” she remarked. The age range of the babies varied widely, from three weeks to 11 months, and included a set of twins.

The event took place at the Chandler Public Safety Training Center. “I’m shocked that we had such a great turnout,” Bernard stated, acknowledging the challenge of coordinating schedules among firefighters.

Donaldo Lopez, a veteran with over 18 years at the department, celebrated the arrival of his fifth child, a daughter named Dorothy. “This is my second rainbow baby, so it’s a big deal for me and my wife,” he said, emphasizing the importance of support in parenting.

Lopez also offered advice to first-time parents: “Even if you think your kids won’t remember it, you’ll remember it… so make sure you take advantage of being there for those moments.”

As the new year approaches, the enthusiasm among the parents is palpable. Bernard predicts “lots of playtime” and “some teeth” for their children in 2025. Meanwhile, Cyrus optimistically stated, “I think this next generation is going to have an awesome future.”

For more snapshots from this heartwarming gathering, visit the Chandler Fire Department’s Instagram page.