"To be a firefighter, actually it's a good job, but just the ability to help people in their need."

38-year-old Lt. Burdon Tyson has been named Kiwanis Firefighter of the Third Quarter for being a mentor and role model for the Wilmington Junior Fire Explorers Post 100.

Tyson: "I show them the opportunity of the fire department, plus emergency medical service, and basically more of a mentor, just to keep you off the street, 'We're going to do homework today,' and just to be a big brother."

Tyson says the young people he trains get hooked on it, and they have something to work toward.

Tyson: "If I can get an explorer at 14 or 15 years old and they stay with my program until they are 20 years old, they are going to have the same certifications that a rookie firefighter in the city obtains."

Tyson: "I just want them to have the same opportunity as anyone else if they want to get into the field of emergency service."