Father's Day Series: Texas Fire Department Welcomes First Father-Daughter Firefighting Team

Teamwork is what makes dream work come true.

For Morris Leondar, a Grapevine Fire Department driver and engineer and member of Local 3113 in Grapevine, Texas, one of his teammates happens to be his daughter, Marissa Sauble, a firefighter and paramedic.

“I always grew up watching him do it, and I got to a point in high school where I had to choose a path. At that time, 9/11 was happening and I felt like this was where I was supposed to be,” Marissa said.

Marissa has been in the fire service for nearly two decades and recently had the honor of working alongside her father for the past four years.

She vividly remembers the moment she decided to join us, inspired by her father's dedication. “My most memorable moments were visiting the fire station, having dinner with the team and Dad and spending time together,” she said. “They had a dog at the time. We've also hosted events like the Pancake Breakfast and Main Street Days, which are big festivals in Grapevine every year.

Morris, who is retiring in January, was shocked at first, but that quickly turned to joy at his daughter's career choice.

“We trained her well in the fire service, which allowed her to succeed professionally,” he said. “We are part of the Grapevine Fire Department's clown troupe, who promote fire safety through humorous methods at schools, festivals and social events. We are both on the fire prevention team and have served together in the honor guard.

Thinking about her retirement and their many community projects, Morris jokes, “She’s going to have to take over when I leave.” »

In a laughing moment between them, he gives heartfelt advice for his daughter's future: “If you want to last 30 years or more, it's a marathon, not a sprint.” You can't burn out too quickly. You have to take care of yourself to maintain a long career in this service.

“Thank you, I wouldn’t be where I am today without you,” Marissa said.