Literally crying in the Target parking lot right now. 🧵 I was struggling with unloading my toddler, my bags and…

Literally crying in the Target parking lot right now. 🧵 I was struggling with unloading my toddler, my bags and wrangling an unruly cart (seriously — why do some lack power-steering?) A fire truck from Redondo Beach (E61) had just parked nearby and four firefighters got out.

As they walked towards the store, one of them offered to help but I laughed, “No, no…you guys have done PLENTY this week. I’m good. Thank you for everything.” And then one of the guys, covered in dirt/ash, came over smiling and said, “I’m gonna take care of this for you.”

Normally I would have refused help, but this week? This week firefighters get a pass. You want to help me with my bags? Absolutely, my car’s over there. Want lunch? It’s on me. Need a Gatorade? What flavor? (orange is the best…don’t @ me)

As he loaded my bags in the car, I asked him how he was doing. He said he’d been at it since Tuesday and that it’s pretty bad out there. He said 80-90% of the Palisades is basically gone and that anyone in LA who had a house to come home to is one of the lucky ones.

I thanked him profusely and once the bags were loaded, this kind stranger offered my toddler a fist bump, which she happily accepted. The contrast of her cherubic, dimpled, unblemished little hand against his scratched, dirty and well-worn fist was striking.

Those hands, that man and all the firefighters, have been through hell this week. Those hands have been hard at work for seven days straight, pulling 24-hour shifts (some even doing doubles!) in the most insane, worst-case-scenario conditions imaginable.

Those hands have saved lives, houses and animals. Those hands have salvaged items from burning homes and set them lovingly on the curb so the owners have something, anything to come back to, besides a smoldering pile of ash where their house once stood.

Those hands have had sporadic meals, little to no sleep and have been away from their partners, pets and their own precious children.

Those hands have boldly and unflinchingly walked into literal fire this week. But today, in the Target parking lot, when they could have easily just gone about their business, those hands were a beautiful display of how selfless, kind and generous these firefighters are.

These folks are servants in the best sense of the word. They are a beacon of humanity and light in what has been a truly dark time for our city. They are heroes.

I am deeply grateful for ALL the brave firefighters, but especially for Firefighter Fist Bump for giving me a much-needed reminder: when things get scary (and my God this week was SCARY), remember what our dear friend Mr. Rogers told us— “look for the helpers.” 🤜🏽🤛🏽 @FireBeach

PS - Fist Bump even took my cart back for me so he’s for sure MVP to moms everywhere

Y’all - the Fire Chief of Redondo Beach saw this post. I’m crying again. 😭🫶🏽

Patrick Isidoro Butler@rbfdchiefbutler · Jan 14, 2025

@BrianaCap Hi @BrianaCap , thank you for the kind words. As Fire Chief of Redondo Beach your post truly lifted our spirits. This is a video taken while @RedondoBeachFD Engine 61 in midst of fighting fire as 80mph winds tried to test their resolve, but could never break our spirits

And now @CAL_FIRE has joined our love fest. More tears. 😭 🫶🏽

CAL FIRE@CAL_FIRE · Jan 14, 2025

@BrianaCap California firefighters take immense pride in serving their communities. That quick fist bump and a warm smile? Likely the highlight of their day—or even their week. 👊😊#Gratitude #CALFIRE @FireBeach

Wow. Overwhelmed by all the love here. If you want to keep this kindness chain going, please call your local station to see what they need. Some are maxed out while others are still in need of donations, so it’s best to check first.

And of course, there are several families that lost everything, so you can always seek out those GFM pages and donate to them directly.

Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your stories. I wish I could respond to all of you. Muting for now. Be safe and, more importantly, be kind to each other out there. Chubby toddler hand fist bumps to you all. 🤜🏽🩷🤛🏽

Team Fist Bump: this little thread of gratitude turned into something big. I’m so glad these firefighters are getting the love and recognition they deserve. You did that. Thank you. 🤜🏽🤛🏽

Good Morning America@GMA · Jan 15, 2025

A mom is calling out the generosity of a firefighter who took time to give her a helping hand amid the tireless work of combating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. ❤️ See her post here: goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/m…

🚨 BREAKING: Chief Butler sent me a pic of Firefighter Fist Bump! His name is Ben Bellante and, this will be great news for many of you, I have been informed HE IS SINGLE. Shoot your shot, babes. 💅🏼

Patrick Isidoro Butler@rbfdchiefbutler · Jan 16, 2025

@BrianaCap Dear Briana, please share with your daughter. Firefighter “Fist Bump” is driving the Redondo Beach Fire Engine, catching some fresh air & hydrating before going back to battle. Truly emblematic of a firefighter Servant’s Heart and Warrior Spirit. They are still on the frontlines.

Look at this handsome hero! 😍

Patrick Isidoro Butler@rbfdchiefbutler · Jan 27, 2025

@BrianaCap thank you for the kind words & outpouring of support. Your post kept our firefighters motivated as they battled this brushfire. Firefighter “Fist Bump” is back from fighting fires for 15 days & looks different now that he’s had a chance to clean up!