When Avion Anderson had to complete a ropes course at firefighter training in Houston, Texas, he decided to be open about his dislike of heights — going viral for expressing his fear — and still powering through the course.

Houston

Avion Anderson, a recent graduate of the Sheldon Community Fire Department in Houston, has garnered widespread attention after posting videos of himself confronting his fear of heights during ropes rescue training. The videos, which show Anderson singing and being encouraged by colleagues as he descends a seven-story structure, have received over 13 million views on TikTok.

The supportive culture within the department, highlighted by Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Grable, has helped Anderson and other firefighters overcome their fears. Anderson's openness about his anxiety and determination to serve the community have been praised, demonstrating the human side of firefighting and the importance of teamwork.

The firefighter who went viral by sharing his fear

words of advice. You're doing good job. You're doing good. Try not to think about it. We strapped in to see what it takes to be a firefighter. In this ropes rescue cores, we climb backwards down a seven story structure. If this building was on fire, this essentially trains you to rescue someone from a burning building. Yes, Avion Anderson led the way. He just finished his training at the Sheldon Community Fire Department in Houston. I keep my feet flat on the building. OK, I try to take steps. Firefighters like Anderson are among the toughest of us, so we might not think they're so vocal about their fears. This is good now I come up. This was Anderson just one week ago. I'm swinging. Please, you've been afraid of heights since you were a kid. When they tell you you have to do this ropes rescue course, what goes through your head? What I signed myself up for. Anderson posted these videos from ropes training which have amassed more than 13 million views on Tick Tock alone. In some clips, he sings to cope while being lowered in a basket. Tension. No. You know, most people would feel shy or judge but me whatever I gotta do to. Like I said to push past my fear because at the end of the day I'm thinking about the community that we serve. There you go. We're almost there and in the background you hear his fellow firefighters cheering him on. Nice and easy. Alright, Sheldon Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Grable says this is just the supportive culture of their department. So I remember my first rope rescue class. I was shaking so much the railing started shaking. We were all one team. We help each other get through those situations for those of you who are a little bit more veteran. Any words of advice for rookies and other younger firefighters like Avion? Just keep going. Just keep going. It gets easier every time you do it. We're doing it. We're doing it now. Anderson can confidently lead us through the same ropes course that terrified him one week ago. We're human as well, but when it comes to saving the life, all seriousness, you know, no time for fears. We just have to get the job done. Progress. For CBS Saturday morning, so same time next week, right? Baby steps. Alright, awesome job. We did it. Karen Hua, Houston.

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