Firefighting Bear

Firefighter Mark Merryman, BBA '93, and his department respond to more than 350 emergency calls a year, ranging from traffic accidents to structure fires. Early in his career, Merryman noticed that his fellow firefighters wore helmets and uniforms adorned with their alma mater’s colors and logos.

"This field is full of Longhorns and Aggies," Merryman said. "What about our Bears? Who represents us?"

Determined to display his Baylor pride, Merryman contacted Baylor Athletics to request a decal for his helmet and an equipment team member answered the call to help fling the green and gold afar. Merryman, true to his Baylor spirit, proudly displayed his Baylor-emblazoned gear during a weeklong training at Texas A&M's fire school.

Had his picture won the #BaylorProud photo contest, Merryman said he would have used the Baylor Bookstore gift card to buy stuffed animals to comfort trauma victims.

"When a child has been in a wreck or their home is on fire, they are scared," Merryman said. "Firefighters carry bears or other stuffed animals for such cases. It gives that child something to help comfort their fears and to feel a little bit safer."