This Black History Month KOMO News is highlighting Black changemakers in the Puget Sound region and their accomplishments.

One Snohomish County man is making history and saving lives at the same time.

Rich Langford just made history as the first black battalion chief in the Everett Fire Department. He says it’s the greatest job in the world, and not something “you can just fall into.”

“This is years of studying, and going to school, getting multiple degrees and lots of certifications,” said Chief Langford.

Being a battalion chief is somewhat of a “supervisor role” – he says he had to shift from the person who responds to emergencies, to the person who supports the responder.

“The way that translates is I help them be successful, then they go out and serve the public and that becomes successful.”

Chief Langford says while he acknowledges he’s made history, the real privilege of being in this role is working with people who don’t care about the color of his skin, but whether or not he can do the job.

“I came here to help people, but at the same time it becomes important because it doesn't matter what your sex is or color is, but if you come in and set your heart to something and you dive into it and don’t quit, you can be whatever you want to be,” he said.

Chief Langford says he hopes that message will pass to those who come after him, especially young kids.

“When I was a kid I never considered being in the fire department, never thought about it,” he said. “I think when you see somebody who looks like you, then it does open up the realms for possibility.”

That possibility has become a reality for his own son – who’s followed in his fathers footsteps of becoming a fireman with the department. He recounts the time they tackled a 3-story apartment fire together.

“He was inside the apartment putting the fire out. I was on the roof cutting the hole. That was actually really cool, not for the fire, but the fact we were there together,” said Chief Langford.

When asked what the most rewarding part about the job is, he says it’s simply being able to change and save lives.

“We try to stop chaos. Sometimes we can, sometimes you can't and that's where you can't quit. Just because you’re not successful doesn't mean you won't be next time. We don't save everybody but we try, all the time,” said Chief Langford.

Chief Langford is a part of the department's equity team. They focus on recruitment – something he says is key to increasing diversity in the field. If you’re interested in career or volunteer opportunities with Everett Fire, click here.