Lt. Erwin Moore is all about helping people in his community, whether that be through his position at the Selma Fire Department, or his future career in nursing.

Moore is learning to balance out firefighting and nursing school, which is no easy task.

“I just like helping people out,” Moore said of being a first responder. “It’s challenging and I just like to challenge myself.”

Moore began his career with the fire department nearly 10 years ago, and said he chose the field because of an opportunity, but he stayed because he fell in love with it.

“I was in college at that time … and when this opportunity presented itself I started doing this, and I just enjoyed it and liked it,” Moore said. “It means a lot to be the person that’s giving a helping hand and helping somebody in need.”

Moore grew up in Valley Grande and graduated from Dallas County High School and later from Wallace Community College Selma. He has one daughter, Zoya.

Moore said working at the fire department can be hard, but it’s all worth it to be able to help his community.

“[It’s challenging] knowing that you have to come and perform and when someone is having a bad day you have to be there to mitigate the situation and help out the best you can to make their situation a little bit better,” Moore said.

“When someone is having a bad day and they’re losing some property, or their home or all their belongings, anything I can do to help is satisfying to me.”

Moore said another reason he enjoys his job is because of the people he works with.

“You’re with these guys for a third of your life, so you get a strong bond with them. You see them just as much as you see your family, so it’s just a strong brotherhood,” he said.

“You’ve got to depend on these guys in a fire or if you need some help and get hurt, these are the guys coming to get you.”

Moore said he plans to retire with the fire department and then work as an RN.