Meet Levi Sandoval | Firefighter & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Levi Sandoval and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Levi, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first knew that I wanted to become a firefighter, all of my time and effort went into trying to get hired. At the time it was VERY competitive to get a job in the fire service. There were thousands of people applying for only a couple spots at times so you had to be dialed to stand out from the rest. I had to sacrifice time away from my friends and family in able to keep my eyes on the prize because I knew that once I finally get the job, I would be able to enjoy the things I love more often. Now that I’m years into my career, I’ve learned that it is important to balance your job from your personal life. Especially in my profession. It’s unhealthy to bring work home because there are things we as first responders see that nobody should ever see or experience. To do so, I have multiple hobbies that I make time for. The two biggest hobbies I have are motorcycles and traveling. I’m fortunate with my career that I’m able to take trips because of the schedule I have. Motorcycles allow me to focus “on the now” and I have ridden some of the most beautiful routes on the west coast. The 360 views from the handlebars are my therapy to let loose and be in the present. While I’m at work I am engaged and committed to serving the community. When I’m off, I disengage and live life to fullest by experiencing as much as I can. I have a passion for life that allows me to make the most of my days and fill them with work and play.

My motorcycle passion has led me into being a “talent” for one of the biggest motorcycle companies in the world. I model on the side and I was discovered by Indian Motorcycle from posting pictures of my motorcycle on social media and tagging them. I was invited to do a press event in Sedona, AZ to ride a new motorcycle they were releasing and it was going to be professionally recorded. I met some of the marketing people for the company and established a great working relationship. After the press event, I was then offered and invited back to model another new motorcycle coming out in which I was deemed “the face and look” of the Indian Scout Rogue. I continue to work with Indian Motorcycle and signed on as an official ambassador of the brand.

I mention this because it’s important to have interests outside of your career. I know way too many people in my field of work who let being a firefighter define who they are as a person. Being a successful person I think allows you to focus more on what’s important to you and the things you love to do outside of work. Mine would be my family, dog, traveling, fitness, and motorcycles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional firefighter and have been going at it for almost 13 years. Four of those years were volunteer and nine professionally. It was not an easy journey whatsoever. I grew up in North Denver before now being known as “the highlands.” Anyone from Denver, knows that it was not an ideal place at the time. You could be steered in the wrong direction by gang involvement, violence, drugs, or other crime. I remember police and fire had a strong presence in my neighborhood from just running emergency calls. As a child, I was always infatuated with the lights and sirens. It wasn’t until I had a brief interaction with a firefighter at a young age. He was very nice to me and truly inspired me to become a firefighter myself.

My parents; knowing what type of environment my sister and I were dealt with, always kept us busy by putting us in sports. I played baseball all of my childhood which kept me too busy to be able to get in trouble. If I didn’t have strong parents who were determined to give my sister and I a better future, I know I would’ve been telling a different story.

I am a first generation firefighter. When you think of a firefighter, you assume that person’s father or grandfather was also a firefighter and helped guide them to follow their footsteps. That is a pretty accurate statement in this line of work. I am very proud of the fact that I figured everything out myself and took steps I needed to take in order to compete for a fire career. I did all the research and all the ground work. I didn’t have the benefit of knowing anybody who was in the line of work. It makes my success much more humbling. It’s like working hard for something that you’ve always wanted. You will take more care of it because of the hard work you’ve done, rather than it given to you.

I’ve gotten in this career because I want to make an impact on young children who are troubled and maybe on the wrong path in life. I want them to see me because at one time I was just like them. I want to inspire them with my story and show that anything is possible no matter what situation or environment you’re in. You can overcome the odds and the negativity that is in the world by having courage and willingness to learn from failing. If you don’t fail, then you are not trying. If you are not trying, then you are not learning. Now that I am a professional firefighter, I take the time while I’m on duty to talk to any child I see. It could be as simple as a hello. It could go a long way. Just look at me. That firefighter who spent such little time talking to me, inspired me. I want to have the same impact and I may not ever know who I inspire. All I can do is try my best and be true to who I am.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is full of adventure and not short of things to do. That is probably why everyone and their mom is moving here. While I’m a unicorn here since I’m a native, I did a lot of different activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping. I don’t do any of those anymore, but I will camp once in a great while. So if you want to hang out with me, don’t expect to do any of those! I do however get my dose of the outdoors by riding my motorcycle through the mountains. If there is a concert going on we would definitely go to Red Rocks Amphitheater. You can’t go wrong with going to any sporting event here. Coors Field has a great atmosphere and a great view of the mountains and city. Although none of our teams are doing so hot, we have a loyal fanbase and there are always a lot of people at the games.

Denver has grown to be a city where there are great bars and restaurants. There are also a lot of breweries to go to. Some of my favorites are Zuni Brewery, Denver Beer Co, and Little Machine. I grew up on a few restaurants that are staples in the area and still in business. Chubbys on 38th has been around forever! It’s always busy and I don’t think their recipes have changed much since I started going as a child. Have to get chili cheese fries! Another restaurant would be Lechugas for the little devils and Gaetano’s if you want Italian. For pizza, I’m taking you to Pizza Alley on 32nd and Lowell. Best New York style in the city. For brunch some of my favorite spots are Sunnys and Bacon Social.

I’m not much of a drinker, but love to occasionally go out to the bars and catch up with friends. I tend to stay close to my place when I do. I stick to Recess Beer Garden, Occidental, Avanti and Happy Camper. All walking distance from each other and a $10 Uber ride home. The atmosphere at Happy Camper is always high energy and Avanti is a little more lax if I want a good patio bar. I can’t not mention Five Points (Rino Art District) and all of the fun bars and restaurants there. What I love most about Denver is anything you want to do, it is all close to each other and you can hop from place to place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While there are many people to whom I can thank for my success, I have to shout out each person who have inspired me to do what I do and continue to do.

First off, my parents Robert and Darlene. Without you two, I would be lost. You both instilled the values I carry with me everyday. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to be a man and to never give up. Watching you was the best lesson a son could have. Mom, thank you for teaching me my manners and to treat everybody the way you want to be treated no matter the circumstance.

My big sister Latisha. You and I were all we had growing up and were best friends. I’m proud of you. My younger brother Marcus. Although we are 13 years apart, you taught me how to be an influence. Everything I’ve done was to inspire you and help guide you in the right direction in life.

My Uncles Joe and Vince. My cousins Angel and Luis. All a few years older than me. You all taught me how to be tough and to have thick skin.

Being a career firefighter, you have to pick your mentors to help direct you to be successful. The whole Adams County Fire Department molded me to help better serve my community, but there are two firefighters specifically took me under their wing. Lieutenant Jimmy Martinez and Lieutenant Jesse Gonzales both were and still are the model civil servant that I inspire to be. We all had an instant connection being a first generation fireman and thank you for the time you invested in me. Chief Troy Patterson and Chief Mark Schuman for taking a chance on the once timid boy and seeing all the hard work and countless hours of preparation I’ve done. I hope I’ve made you all proud.

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Image Credits
Indian Motorcycle Colorado Firefighter Calendar Jasper Keys Apparel Scott Brayshaw