# Ep. 183 - Helton Pereira: Fire, Faith, Family, and the Fight for Purpose

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238/ep-183-helton-pereira-fire-faith-family-and-the-fight-for-purpose
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238/ep-183-helton-pereira-fire-faith-family-and-the-fight-for-purpose.md
Podcast: [Stories from Real Life](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238)
Published: 2026-01-06T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/p/ep-183-helton-pereira-fire-faith
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/183157853/70df4a31510fc284ed8168b1f49d39ad.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stories-from-real-life-6457238/episodes/ep-183-helton-pereira-fire-faith-family-and-the-fight-for-purpose
Duration seconds: 2942

## Resource

FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. Episode Summary: Today’s guest is Lt. Helton Pereira — born in Rio de Janeiro, immigrant at 15, pre-med student turned EMT, firefighter, paramedic, and now Lieutenant in the U.S. Fire Service. He joins us to share how one fire extinguisher instructor changed his life, why firefighters lose love for the job, and why putting life in the right order — Faith, Family, Fitness, Firefighting — is the only way to survive the weight of the fire service and still love it. What We Cover – Immigration and identity– Becoming an EMT and entering fire service by accident– Trauma, loss, and nearly burning out– Protecting marriage and kids while serving a demanding career– Creating a movement and writing a book– Why mentorship matters more than gear or tactics Links – The First Things First – Book & Resources: www.TheFirstThingsFirst.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

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## Transcript

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