OnStar Advisors work with First Responders to save lives every day. But who are these heroes, and what drives some of them to work 24-hour shifts doing some of the most dangerous — yet rewarding — jobs in the world? 

Go behind the scenes and learn how firefighters work with dispatchers and OnStar as a courageous, selfless and tactical team. 

A crew is only as good as its captain. It takes a substantial amount of time, training and trust to turn a mere fire station into a functioning firehouse. It starts with communication. After a call comes in from dispatch, Captain Dan’s carefully assembled crew of dedicated firefighters and paramedics drop what they’re doing and spring into action. They place their fate in each other’s hands and sacrifice their safety for the greater good. Success comes down to three things: procedure, professionalism and personality.

There’s no such thing as a typical rookie, with the exception of one shared trait: a naturally courageous disposition and inborn urge to help those in need. But it also takes a heavy dose of humility. In the morning, you’re washing trucks. At lunch, you’re cooking the family meal — and it better be on the table at 12 sharp. The only way to earn the trust of an established crew is to keep your head down and work as hard you can. But it’s all worth it. Because in the end, you’re fulfilling a dream. And after that first year, no matter what happens, they’ll always have your back. 

The driver: Ryan Gross 

After OnStar helps share the location* of the emergency with dispatchers, it’s up to veteran driver and firetruck engineer Ryan Gross to get to the scene as quickly — and safely — as possible. The more information he has, the better he can do his job and help save lives. Ryan was called to do this job. He says when he’s ready to retire, he won’t just be leaving a job — he’ll be leaving a family. And he says the keys to the truck will be left in good hands with his successor.