A San Diego fireman will soon be trading in his firefighter’s boots for combat boots.
John Devoti is one of eight reservists with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. He will soon be deploying to Iraq as a captain with the Marine Reserves.
"I was fortunate enough to be selected to go with them," Devoti said. "You know, there's still a lot going on there now. We are making that transition to pulling our forces out and handing the country back over to the Iraqis, so there’s still a lot of work to be done."
Fire Capt. Joi Carle said Devoti -- who's known as Devo around the firehouse -- is "just a very likable guy. We’re very proud of him, very glad to have him on our team."
Devoti served as a platoon commander in Afghanistan five years ago while on active duty with the Marines.
"That was my first experience," Devoti said. "That deployment opened up my eyes to see what that country was like, what they were going through, what they had and didn't have."
Devoti said his family instilled in him the values that make him want to serve his community and his country.
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"It's obviously in his heart," Carle said. "Its in his soul, its in his blood, and he does a very good job cause he very much cares. We're proud of him"
Devoti heads to Iraq in May after some training. So what long term plans does this firefighter-Marine have?
"Try and do 20 years with the Marine Corp as well as the fire department," he said.
