Brett Bullock isn’t quite going to tell his doctors how to do their jobs, but Bullock is positive he knows how to his own job.
In 2020 and 2021 Bullock was recovering from bilateral hip surgery. The Vallejo native was told he may no longer be able to be a firefighter — something he had dreamed of doing since he was 14.
“It was heartbreaking,” Bullock said. “I had just finished my apprenticeship when I tore both labrums. When my doctor told me the news I asked myself, ‘Shit, what am I going to do?’”
Become the best firefighter in Vallejo … that’s what he was going to do.
Recently the Rotary Club of Solano named Bullock the Firefighter of the Year, something that Bullock said is very rewarding and something he’s honored to win.
“I wasn’t going to let a doctor dictate what I do,” Bullock said. “I knew I had to buckle down, do the rehab and get in the best shape of my life. It took a lot of hard work, and at times I was a little rusty and I questioned my physical ability. But it’s great to be honored and recognized for all the hard work I put in.”
Bullock graduated from Benicia High School in 2010, but grew up in Vallejo, joining the city’s Explorer program when he was 14 (2008). Bullock had no previous family members he knew of that were firefighters, but he knew this was the career he wanted.
“I’ve always wanted to serve this city,” Bullock said. “My family lives here and I went to my EMT Academy in Solano and my NCTI medic school in Hercules. Schooling was the hardest part for me because I was never that good of a student, but it prepares you for the culture of the fire service.”
Bullock’s teacher in the Explorers was Matt McWhorter, who now works with Bullock. Bullock has now been with the VFD for seven years.
“He’s been a great role model for me,” Bullock said. “He’s an old soul and he’s always been there for me to give me great advice on the fire service and life in general. He was an Explorer himself, so it’s great to try and carry on the tradition.”
Bullock said one of the main reasons why he loves the VFD is because it’s a little old-school.
“Vallejo’s fire service is very unique and has an old-school culture where there is a lot of tradition,” Bullock said. “I love that it’s stayed that way for years and I find that very special.”
Bullock was selected for the award by his peers and was one of seven people nominated for the award. According to a news release, Bullock was selected for his “character and integrity, which serve as a standard to which all Vallejo firefighters strive to reach.”
His experience has gained him a spot on Vallejo’s Urban Search and Rescue team as well as an academy instructor and a representative on the department’s Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Bullock said if he saw another 14-year-old interested in becoming a firefighter, he would waste no time in telling them it’s a great job.
“If interested jump in and take some classes,” Bullock said. “It can be a long process, but you get yourself exposed and put in some good work and have a great work ethic while willing to learn, then this is the job for you.”
