Little Fire Chief Emīls Returns After Spinal Injury Thanks to Firefighters' Encouragement
Emīls Apsāns, a 12-year-old who as a child visited all 92 fire stations in Latvia, suffered a severe spinal injury two years ago but recovered quickly, aided by the encouragement of the firefighters who inspired him.
Emīls Apsāns, affectionately called the "little chief" by firefighters, is 12 years old and has just finished 6th grade. At age six, he and his mother Baiba Jaunzeme-Pētersone visited all 92 fire stations of the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) in Latvia. His passion for firefighting was so intense that he wore a custom-made firefighter uniform from Germany even to kindergarten. Now he has outgrown the uniform, which is displayed at home with honor. While his obsession has lessened, he still follows the profession, though football has also captured his heart.
Two years ago, Emīls suffered a serious accident at school—he fell and severely injured five vertebrae in his spine. However, he recovered quickly, largely due to the resilience instilled by firefighters: perseverance, fighting spirit, and good physical fitness. The encouragement from his firefighter friends helped him get back on his feet.
Emīls' fascination began at age two when he visited friends in Ainaži and saw volunteer firefighters. Like many boys, he was drawn to machinery, and after visiting the Railway Museum and the Firefighting Museum, he chose firefighting. His room was once full of firefighting-themed items: bed, toys, homemade stations. Now his interest remains but is less intense. He has received several certificates of appreciation for promoting the firefighter profession in society.
