East Hartford, CT – Just a few years ago, Firefighter Nabeel Ali was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, he’s answering a new call to serve, this time as a certified paramedic with the East Hartford Fire Department.
“FF Ali attended paramedic school at New Britain EMS Academy while also working as an East Hartford firefighter,” the department announced.
The fire department added, “We are proud of FF Ali’s commitment to serving his country as well as the citizens of East Hartford.”
Ali’s journey from military service to emergency response was made possible through Hero to Hero, a program that helps veterans transition into careers in public safety.
After completing training at the Connecticut Fire Academy, Ali pursued his paramedic certification while continuing to serve as a firefighter.
The announcement on Friday, Feb. 14, carried extra meaning, as East Hartford firefighters wore red shirts in honor of deployed service members.
“Currently, LT Hinman is deployed with the United States Navy overseas,” the department noted.
Ali was pictured with his preceptors, Apparatus Operator Jacob Brungard and Apparatus Operator Conor Thomsen, who helped him achieve medical control from St. Francis Hospital.
“Congratulations Nabeel!” the department wrote, celebrating the firefighter’s dedication to service—both in and out of uniform.