James A. McCain says being a firefighter with the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is a dream come true.

“I wanted to become a physical therapist when I graduated from Hampton University in 2003,” he recalls. “But I had a dream one day that I was a firefighter. It was so vivid and so real,” he adds. “I took that as a calling that I was supposed to become a firefighter.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, Mr. McCain worked in physical therapy for a few years at a Richmond fitness club. Then in 2007, he was accepted into Richmond’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Fire Training Academy. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now in his eighth year with the department, Mr. McCain recently was honored as Richmond Firefighter of the Year. The award was presented in October at a ceremony at Richmond CenterStage in Downtown.

He is a certified CPR instructor, a peer fitness instructor and a field training instructor for the department that has 376 firefighters.

He was nominated for the award by Lt. William B. Bullock of Engine Company 11, located at 1235 N. 28th St. in Church Hill. In his nominating letter, Lt. Bullock describes Mr. McCain as “very dependable and a valued asset” to the Church Hill firefighting team.

“He is an energized and dedicated employee and is well respected by his peers and other members of our organization,” Lt. Bullock wrote. “Firefighter McCain demonstrates exemplary service to our city and its citizens, and his attitude and hard work should not go unnoticed.”

Mr. McCain says he was surprised when he learned he had won the award.

He says he received a plaque for winning the honor that he displays at his Goochland County home and a ribbon to wear on his dress uniform.

Mr. McCain recalls the gamut of experiences he has had on the job in Richmond.

“You hear the old saying about the fireman rescuing a cat out of a tree, and, yes, my rookie year, I did help get a cat out of a tree,” he says, laughing. “I climbed a ladder and we got the cat out of the tree.”

He then describes a harrowing experience this summer when he and other firefighters fought a blaze in Church Hill in mid-August.

“We entered a two-story duplex and the whole downstairs was engulfed in fire,” Mr. McCain recalls. “I was on the (water hose) nozzle.

“We extinguished the fire on the first floor,” he continues, “then went upstairs, where there was a fire in a bedroom. We put that out as well.”

He says that it was “very hot under the personal protective equipment” as he and other firefighters fought the blaze.

Mr. McCain said they were able to keep the fire from spreading to an adjacent home in the same building. He estimates he has fought about 10 major blazes during his career.

“You’re nervous,” he says, describing what it feels like during a big firefight. “You just want to go in and perform to the best of your ability. You revert to the training that you’ve received all through the years and extinguish the fire in a quick and safe manner.”

Regardless of the dangers he faces while performing his job, Mr. McCain says he’s thrilled that he’s now living his dream as a firefighter.

“I love my job,” he says. “It’s the best job ever. I love being able to help people, help the community, teach people about fire safety and help kids at different events we attend.”

Let’s meet this week’s fired up Personality, Richmond Firefighter of the Year James A. McCain:

Date and place of birth: July 7 in Richmond.

Family: Wife, Brandi; sons, Bryce, 9, and Aiden, 7; and one daughter, Riley, 6.

What I do on my job: Respond to the needs of our citizens by providing fire suppression and emergency medical care and also educating the community on fire safety.

My average firefighting workload is: About six calls a day.

What makes me good at it: My dedication and drive to help others.

Foremost reward of firefighting: Being able to help others in their time of need and educating the community on fire safety.

What it requires to become a good firefighter: Dedication to duty, commitment to training and continuous sacrifice for the safety of the community.

I look back and laugh when: I think that I used to be a lifeguard for the Richmond YMCA Downtown several years ago. A fire captain told me I should try out for the Richmond Fire Department. I said, “You’re crazy. I would never run into a burning building.”

Types of fires most prevalent during the winter: Car accidents, trashcan fires and a lot of food left unattended on stoves. Cold weather also can bring fires because of the home heaters, candles that people have lit and faulty electrical systems.

How the public sees firefighters: As the crazy people who run into burning buildings … LOL.

Most unforgettable experience as a firefighter: The day I graduated from the fire academy and became a sworn firefighter.

Advice to youngsters interested in a firefighting career: Stay in school and never give up on your dream.

Opportunities for women: The Richmond Fire Department is a very diverse department and we welcome everybody. We are no longer firemen; we are firefighters.

Best late-night snack: Chocolate milk.

Favorite recreational activity: Working out.

When I look in the mirror, I see: A person who is proud of where he is in his life and proud of his accomplishments.

What people think when they first meet me: I am a hard worker and always willing to help others succeed.

The one thing that I can’t stand: An unorganized spice rack.

The person who influenced me the most: My parents, until I had kids.

My next goal: To become an officer in the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services.