It's been five years since Fort Myers Fire Department Chief Tracy McMillion shattered the ceiling becoming the first African American to hold the title. He still doesn't feel any pressure.
"I think they see that I'm pretty old, and like that's the old man right there," McMillion said while laughing.
McMillion describes each day as a dream.
"I still pull into the parking lot with a big huge smile like oh I can do work today," he said.
In his youth, McMillion dreamt of becoming a firefighter for the Orlando Fire Department. Back in the 90's the application process was quite different.
"The City of Orlando actually was hiring every other year, so I was on the opposite year, and so I wasn't able to get in so I put my application out statewide," said McMillion.
Fate eventually brought him to Fort Myers, getting his start in the department in 1996. He climbed the ranks with one goal in mind, to teach others.
"I love training, education, certified math, that'd be a great spot for me," said McMillion. "The fire chief always just seemed like this real, you know, lofty position that you know little me would never ever be able to have that opportunity to have."
Little did he know, that moment would ignite a passion he could never extinguish. On Dec. 20, 2019, McMillion made history becoming the first African American to serve as chief.
"My emphasis is not necessarily on being the first, but creating opportunities for others to be next and I think that's something that, we have to look at as far as how we can normalize diversity within the fire service as well as other particular areas," he said.
Which keeps him looking forward, boosting morale meeting the city's needs and being seen in the community.
"I understand what it means to my family, I understand what it means to the city, understand what it means to the community, and I understand what it means to who others who may aspire at one day to become into the fire service," said McMillion.
"It means a lot, I feel like there is what some may call weight it's not weight to me it's actually enjoyment," he added.