Deputy Chief Peter “Pete” Crespo knew he wanted to be a firefighter pretty early in life. Although the majority of his family was in law enforcement and they wanted him to join the Police Department, his heart has always been with the Philadelphia Fire Department.
“I’ve always thought it was an honorable job,” says Crespo. “I grew up in North Philly, and when I was little, my dad took me to visit the fire station near our house: Engine 2/Ladder 3 on 2nd & York. Coincidentally, that turned out to be the first station I was assigned to right out of the Fire Academy. That visit as a kid, with my father, and at that station…it’s a clear memory that will always be dear to my heart.”
That experience stayed with him into adulthood, so much so, that he persisted through a very competitive hiring process, applying to the PFD three times before finally getting the call to join the Fire Academy. He was 26 when he became a member of Fire Cadet Class 177, and Crespo says he didn’t realize at the time just how much he needed the structure in his life that came with joining the PFD.
“It was scary because although I was excited that I had made it, I ultimately still had to make it through the academy and finish my training…and I had a four-year-old daughter at home. The academy really taught me a lot about myself while I was there – and not just about the job.”
Now, DC Crespo has been with the PFD 21 years and has three children. He’s always had a big family – including 19 aunts and uncles! He says that’s what it’s like being in a firehouse. You fight like a family, you make up, you love each other, and you take care of each other.
“Being Puerto Rican…our culture is very family oriented; we are very close and I brought that with me into the firehouse.” he says. “There’s a little bit of pressure because I want to make my parents, family and my heritage proud, and I’m honored that I’m able to help people who look like me and speak like me as well.”
DC Crespo is the first Latino person to earn the rank of Deputy Chief in the Philadelphia Fire Department. It’s a badge of honor he wears proudly.
“I was manifesting it! I told my kids – I’m going to be the first Puerto Rican, first Latino Deputy Chief. I bought the insignia and carried it in my pocket, and I would place it on the table to look at while I was studying and taking the test. I prayed on it, put the work in, and made it happen. At times, being bilingual feels like a hidden superpower on this job. I’m able to help and communicate with a grandmother who only speaks Spanish to better express herself, as well as speak with and interact with citizens throughout our locals and I can show kids in our neighborhoods that they too can make it to be a Firefighter and a public servant.”
He’s got advice for others looking to become a firefighter or medic: “Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable – that’s how you grow.”
When asked if he plans to move up to even higher ranks in the PFD, DC Crespo said, “I’m always seeking challenges and that brings improvement.” Then as he smiles, he says,” I’ve been giving it my all, and it keeps working out, so I’ll just keep riding that train!”
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