Last week, we introduced you to Guy Fieri’s most recently celebrated hero, Daniel. Daniel is a U.S. Marine who’s served for 12 years, but who also goes above and beyond to be a good father — all while dealing with the tragic and unexpected loss of a sibling. This week’s hero is a veteran first responder and K-9 handler.
They’re the stars of Fieri’s new initiative which aims to celebrate “the everyday heroes who make America what it is.” It’s a truly heartwarming weekly social campaign, in partnership with the Guy Fieri Foundation and powered by Fieri’s Camp Chef brand, that encourages the friends and loved ones of America’s finest individuals to nominate them for recognition. This week, upon receiving a nomination from his partner, Christine, Fieri chose to shine a light on Nick.
Fieri has something in common with Nick, in that he was born in Ohio, which is where Nick and Christine reside.
In a video posted to Fieri’s Instagram page, he explained why Nick is so deserving of recognition.
Nick Is a Hardworking First Responder and Wonderful Family Man
In both the video’s accompanying caption and the video itself, it’s explained that Nick works for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department in Cleveland, Ohio.
He’s both a first responder and a third-time K9 handler. He’s spent his entire career protecting his local community, which he currently does alongside his third loyal dog partner, Bruno.
Away from his police work, Nick has dedicated over two decades of his life mentoring young people through the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department’s Scouting Explorers program, which aims to inspire the next generation of law enforcement leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Fieri explains that, as a Scoutmaster, mentor, husband, and father, Nick’s impressive and loyal service has long extended beyond duty hours. He’s a true hero due to his leadership, compassion, and undying commitment to his family and local community.
Guy Fieri Gave Nick an ‘Awesome’ Gift to Say Thank You
Getty.Guy Fieri asked Nick what made him embark on a career in law enforcement.
Nick replied, “Way back in the day, when I was a kid, I wanted to be either a racecar driver or a cop. And the cool thing is, is I get to go really fast in a cop car. So I get to do a little bit of both.”
He went on, saying, “I’m one of those guys, I wanted to be a officer of the law at a very young age. At 15-and-a-half years old, I was a explorer scout, which is like Boy Scouts for the sheriff’s office. And then, at 18, I became a dispatcher. 21, put myself through the police academy at our local community college, and then got on… I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Nick continued his story by explaining, “I’ve been in charge of our exploring post for 28 years now and jumped into scouting with my kids, both my son and my daughter into scouting, and it’s been… it’s been a great ride, with being a K-9 officer and a detective for the sheriff’s office, it’s been… it’s been awesome.”
Fieri described Nick as living “the adventurous life” and gifted him a great piece of cooking equipment. The famous restaurateur said, “We just made a new piece called the Gridiron Grill. And it’s a flat top. And especially with you being the scoutmaster — and I imagine there’s enough time where’s you’ve got to, you know, feed the team or feed the troop — this thing is awesome. I mean, you can get anything under the sun done on this 36 inch flat top.”
It was a lovely gesture and one that Nick was undoubtedly deserving of.
In the comments, Fieri’s followers were hugely complimentary of Nick, with one writing, “What a Guy!!! We Love you and your Family and extended road trip Families!! Thank you to Nick & his 🐾💙❤️❤️❤️ for your service!”
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