DETROIT – It was a hero's welcome for little Tyren Johnson Tuesday morning at Detroit's Engine 54, and that was just the beginning.
Following a tour of the firehouse, the 3-year-old got some on-the-job training.
Tyren is a heart transplant survivor and his wish was to become a real firefighter.
"On behalf of the Detroit Fire Department, we want to welcome you and for the day, you are an official Detroit firefighter!"
Thanks to the Make a Wish Foundation of Michigan, the Detroit Fire Department and dozens of volunteers, mission accomplished.
"Make a Wish Foundation Michigan grants about 400 wishes per year and each one is different," said President and CEO Karen Davis. "To have a wish child who wants to be something is special because we get to have the community come out and show Tyren and his family how many people are wishing him well and cheering him on."
The Detroit firefighters who came out Tuesday, were more than happy to assist a future colleague.
"It brought tears to my eyes to have a 3-year-old's wish granted because I have kids of my own," said Dale Bradley, chief of community relations for the department.
Tyren's mother, Tiesha Johnson, said she can tell her little boy had the time of his life and she couldn't be more grateful.
"Thank you, I appreciate everything," she said.
After lunch, Tyren got a ride back home in the fire truck which he said was his favorite part.