A Big Rapids resident says he's living his dream. Nick Routley was sworn in as a full time firefighter for the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Fire Division at Monday's City Commission meeting. DPS Director Jim Eddinger says he's witnessed Routley at work.

“I did see him on top of the ladder on North 3^rd a couple months ago, hanging half way off the ladder, doing way more than I would ever be brave enough to do, so I knew he was the guy to pick.”

Routley has been a Big Rapids resident his entire life and started off his career as a volunteer fireman in Big Rapids Township. He then became a part-time paid firefighter in the City of Big Rapids and says that being a full time firefighter for the city is a dream come true.