The Rappin' Fireman
“John Ruiz Miranda, The Godfather of Fire Safety and Fire Prevention”
John Ruiz Miranda was born to Puerto Rican Immigrants who settled in the community of East Harlem, El Barrio. At the behest of his mother Luz Miranda, John RuizMiranda a young Latino from Spanish Harlem in 1983 joined the New York City Fire Department, an organization with fewer than 179 Hispanic, and 300 black firefighters out of 14,000 whites. The year was 1983 and the South Bronx was still burning, fire fatalities among children of color in poor underserved communities graced the headlines of newspapers as well as the late-night television news. After accepting an invitation to visit a school he was amazed to see the children’s reaction, many who had never seen a black/Latino firefighter. He knew what his mission was. Educate children and families by putting together a presentation, bring it to every NYC school, library, block parties and senior centers and encourage boys and girls to become firefighters.
His show would have to be friendly, so he took out a pension loan bought a mini firetruck and a hydrant robot and along with his mother as a stagehand began a 40-year history of public service known throughoutthe world as “The Rappin' Fireman and his Safety Friends” His lessons centered around fire safety and recruiting the youngest group of future civil servants, children. He quickly became a school favorite performing as many as 7 times a week and began to gain the attention of the media as well as many prominent people. For his unselfish actions and public service, he was the recipient of over 140 awards and commendations also appearing on several television shows as well as being featured in many publications as well as his own recruitment commercials.
In 2007 John created and procuded "The Fire House Circus”. The first circus of its kind that educated and entertained approximately 20,000 school aged children on fire safety. In 2009 he founded The East Harlem Repertory Theater, who annually produces 45 live theatrical performances. for approximately 45,000 children and adults every year.
In 2020 Access Hollywood put out a search for “The Modern Day Mister Rogers” in honor of Mister Rogers' who created “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” which ran for 33 years. After a nationwide search the honor was bestowed upon a NYC Firefighter, John Ruiz Miranda, “The Rappin' Fireman” for the over 40 years of community service. Affectionately known as “El Bombero del Barrio” His fire safety programs have educated and entertained over one million school-aged children and adults throughout the NYC metropolitan area. For 40 years, his fire safety program tours NYC public schools throughout the school year. Having fought discrimination and race issues, John Ruiz Miranda “The Godfather of Fire Safety”, is a man of his time. His contribution to Fire prevention, fire safety education and minority recruitment is a great part of the legacy of the New York City Fire Department at a time when there was none!
The Rappin' Fireman
The Rappin' Fireman has always had a passion for entertaining others and making them smile. From teaching Fire Safety and fun for family and friends to putting on full-scale performances, The Rappin' Fireman has always been dedicated to bringing joy to others through their talents.
