Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in August 2017.

A California firefighter is being praised for his compassion after comforting a young girl at the scene of a serious crash near San Diego. A big rig had crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting two vehicles — one carrying a mother, her two daughters (ages 4 and 6), and another adult family member.While the mother and 6-year-old, who suffered a broken neck, were being treated, firefighter paramedic Ryan Lopez from Heartland Fire & Rescue comforted the uninjured 4-year-old. News cameras captured the tender moment as Lopez held and rocked the child, later giving her water and continuing to hold her as she rested on hisLopez, a father himself, said the girl “just wanted to hang on and feel safe.” He downplayed the praise, saying it was simply part of the job and any other first responder would have done the same.