Jumpline MAG_Sum_Fall 2025 - Flipbook - Page 23
You Are Not Alone
Randall Scott
MDFR Chaplaincy
I would like to begin by saying thank you for the
opportunity to share a part of my journey. For those
who don’t know me, my name is Randall Scott. I’ve proudly
served with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for nearly 11 years, coming up on that milestone this October. The majority of my career has been spent serving the incredible city of
Miami Gardens, running out of”The Brickhouse”
Firehouse 38 in the 4th Battalion.
The Brickhouse has always held a special
place in my heart. I grew up in the neighborhood, and as a kid, I would ride my bike over
just to catch a glimpse of the 昀椀re trucks and
hope the 昀椀re昀椀ghters would 昀氀ash the lights and
sirens. From the very 昀椀rst day I walked into that
station as a 昀椀re昀椀ghter, it felt like home. It was
also where I met two incredible men who would
change my life: Captain Rustin Shaw and Driver
James Paugh. I was blown away by how they
balanced being top-tier 昀椀remen with an unwavering walk with God and deep personal integrity.
James Paugh was the 昀椀rst person who spoke
to me about becoming a Chaplain. He guided
me through the process, and along with Captain
Shaw, took me under their wings. These two
men constantly challenged me to grow - both
as a 昀椀re昀椀ghter and a man of faith. Because of
their in昀氀uence, I still proudly serve today as a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chaplain and Peer Support Lead. I currently hold the position of Fire
Lieutenant, BID on Engine 08, but I never forget
where I came from or the lessons I’ve learned
along the way.
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chapters of my life. I was going through a divorce and grappling
with the pain of being separated from my sons. I remember
that moment like it was yesterday, sitting on the
昀氀oor of my living room, trapped in a mental prison,
feeling hopeless, and contemplating suicide.
I am no better than
you and I’m still
human, still facing
my own struggles,
but I’m here to tell
you that the world
is better with you
in it.
Just as I was about to make a tragic decision,
my sons walked through the front door. I broke
down in tears, overwhelmed with shame and
emotion. That moment changed everything. I
made a vow to myself and to God that I would
never allow myself to go back to that place and
more importantly, that I would do everything in
my power to ensure no one else ever felt that
alone.
That moment was a turning point and one of
the core reasons I became a Chaplain. I want
people to know there is always someone willing
to walk with them through the storm. Today, by
the grace of God, I am blessed with an amazing
wife and seven beautiful children.
Life isn’t always easy, balancing it all can be
tough, but it is absolutely worth it. If there’s one
message I want to leave with you, it’s this: My
name is Randall Scott, and no matter the time,
the day, or the situation, you do not have to
walk through it alone. I am no better than you
and I’m still human, still facing my own struggles, but I’m here to tell you that the world is
better with you in it.
Thank you for taking a moment to read this
glimpse into my life. Thank you for allowing me
the space to be honest, vulnerable, and real.
With love,
My journey, however, hasn’t always been easy.
In 2019, I found myself in one of the darkest
Randall Scott
“The sun is a daily reminder that we too
can rise again from the darkness, that
we too can shine our own light.”
— S. Ajna
Summer/Fall 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine
