Local Firefighter Takes On Different Kind Of Fight

A metro firefighter is fighting more than fires. Right now, he's in a battle to overcome something that could transform his life. But he's still on the job every day.

"When he came to me and told me about his condition, I was really rather shocked," Maj. Mike Coker said.

Coker has some of the finest firefighters in the city; rained not only to fight fires, but also perform tricky rescues. Joshua Kidd is one of those firefighters.

"Just woke up one morning with a limp, got worse and worse," said Kidd. "They told me I should find another job that's not so physically challenging, demanding. But this is my life. I feel like this is my calling."

Kidd was scared that his calling might be in jeopardy when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 29.

"It was a relief. I didn't like being diagnosed with Parkinson's, but at least I knew what I was up against. So I knew how to fight it," said Kidd.

"As far as work, it never did affect his performance. He's always done an exceptional job for us," said Battalion Chief Mike Walker.

"Josh, he's just an exemplary firefighter, what you'd want you're firefighters to be," said Maj. Jim Williams.

No one in his firefighter family knew he was struggling with the disease.

"These guys are like my second family," said Kidd.

Now that they know, not much has changed for the family. They still fight fires and pull pranks on one another back at the station. And that's exactly what Kidd says he needs.  He hopes his story will give strength and hope to others with this diagnosis.

"As an officer, when we're on an emergency scene, I can count on [Kidd] to do what needs to be done and do it in a safe manner," said Williams.

"Do whatever it takes to do my tasks here at work," said Kidd.

It took two years and a doctor in Dallas to pinpoint Kidd's Parkinson diagnosis. He takes three medicines a day. Kidd says each day is a new challenge, but he is doing great.

Kidd is also expanding his family. He is engaged and expecting a baby soon.