Jimmy Cheatham
Name:
Jimmy Cheatham
Favorite Season:
Fall/Winter
Favorite Band:
Frankie Beverly
Favorite TV Show:
Law and Order: Criminal Intent
This week’s featured firefighter is Jimmy Cheatham of Ladder 17 in the South End, a Boston Firefighter for 22 years. At 6’5”, “Big Jim” as he is often called is stationed in his old neighborhood. Born and raised in the South End, Jimmy attended Cathedral Grammar School and Don Bosco Technical High School where he was a three sport athlete, lettering in football, track and basketball. In his senior year, Jimmy helped lead his basketball team to the State Championship. After graduating from Don Bosco, Jimmy continued his education at Post College in Waterbury, CT earning his degree in 1984. After a few years in Connecticut, with a degree in hand, Boston beckoned him back. In 1987, Jimmy became a Boston Firefighter.
He states that one of his favorite aspects of being a firefighter is interacting with the public on a daily basis. Jimmy recalls a recent reunion with a woman he rescued from a house fire. “A couple of years ago, a fire broke out on Dwight Street early in the morning. As my company pulled out of the firehouse, we could already see the smoke in the air. When we arrived on scene, our team immediately began rescuing people from the building.” As Jimmy entered the building engulfed in flames, an unconscious male occupant was placed in his arms. After carrying the man to safety, Jimmy’s next task was to help get a fellow firefighter, overcome by the fire’s heat, out of the building. On his third return, Jimmy rescued a female occupant still trapped in the building. Months later, he had bumped into the woman a few blocks from his firehouse. After realizing who she was, they had an emotional reunion on the street. “I was surprised to see her, and when she told me how grateful and happy she was to see me, it reminded me why we do this job. Boston Firefighters are here for the people of this city. Helping people- whether it be saving a life or teaching kids about fire safety- is what motivates a Boston Firefighter.”
Another story Jimmy highlights is that of a young firefighter enthusiast from his old neighborhood (pictured above). He stops by the firehouse everyday on his way to and from school to say hello, always asking for Big Jim, who gladly shows the starry-eyed kid around. “It is great to have the kids interested in being a firefighter. I am happy to put a smile on his face by simply giving him a little bit of my time. It makes a difference.”
Often the jokester, one of Jimmy’s favorite firehouse stories happened one evening several years ago. While their target was distracted, Jimmy and a few others went into the bunk area, placing his bed on empty soda cans. After waiting for their fellow jake to call it a night, they heard the anticipated crash as the bed collapsed to the ground. At first surprised and upset, their housemate was soon laughing with the rest of the group. Jimmy reveals that working together in a company makes for a family-type atmosphere, providing a bond and trust all firefighters share.
Though being a firefighter is his greatest passion, Big Jim has renewed his passion for basketball and looks forward to teaching his grandchildren how to play. He enjoys watching the Celtics and believes that with his favorite player, Kevin Garnett, leading the charge, they can bring home another NBA Championship to Boston. No matter what the fate of the Celts may be this year Jimmy maintains, “there’s one team in town that will never let this city down and that’s the Boston Firefighters.”
Nice picture.