In April, firefighter Alan Kent traveled nearly 1,000 km, flying to Arizona to witness Chloe receive her bachelor's degree in educational studies. The bond between Chloe and Kent is now like that of a father and daughter, a relationship that began the day Chloe was born.

During her college graduation ceremony last month, Kent embraced Chloe and told her, "I want you to know I'm truly proud of you. I love you very much. Just keep doing great." Last year, Chloe surprised him by traveling from her university in Arizona to attend his retirement party.

A few minutes after the initial call in 2004, the newborn lay cradled in Kent's arms. The mother, Stacy Huddle, named the baby Chloe and expressed her desire for Kent to remain a part of her daughter's life. They made a promise: Chloe would celebrate her birthday at the fire station in Colorado Springs, Colorado, every year. Since then, Kent has not only attended all of Chloe's birthdays but also other significant milestones.

Alan Kent on Chloe's college graduation day. *Photo: AP*

As Chloe grew, her relationship with Kent deepened. In 2005, one-year-old Chloe seemed shy around fire trucks. But soon, she began calling Kent "my firefighter". Whenever her mother drove past the station, Chloe would wave and shout, "Hi, Mr. Kent". When she started kindergarten, Chloe often visited the fire station to play with Kent's children. When Chloe graduated from high school in 2022, Kent said he had to hold back tears.

Alan Kent (right) holding two-week-old Chloe in 2004. *Photo: AP*

While she might not return to the fire station for future birthdays, Chloe stated that she and Kent would continue to meet. She is preparing for her wedding in July in Arizona, where she plans to have two father-daughter dances: one with her father and one with Kent.

"Watching her grow up, from birth to today, witnessing each stage, has probably been one of the biggest highlights of my career", said Kent, 62.

Kent and Chloe at her 10th birthday in 2014. *Photo: WP*

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