august 25, 2025
Joaquin Rosales, Captain with The Saint Paul Fire Department, tells us, “I was born and raised in Saint Paul and have many fond memories of Downtown. I fondly remember the smell of the cookies at the bakery in Dayton's Department Store…”
“They used to have a mechanical elephant in the kids department as well… I remember going to the movies at the theater located in Galtier Plaza… I remember walking the skyways with friends to get to the bars in Lowertown… And many years later, I lived Downtown as an adult (around 2007 - 2008).”
There is a lot that Captain Rosales loves about Downtown, "I love the festivals and Music in Mears, The Farmer's Market, The Winter Carnival events in Rice Park, The Palace Theatre, ball games at CHS, The European Market.... Despite the current issues there is still charm left in Downtown that makes it a wonderful experience."
Captain Rosales is circumspect, "There are currently many challenges that Downtown faces. Improving safety should be at the forefront. In its current state, it is not quite the same place it once was. Vacant buildings and storefronts in the skyways lead to issues. There is a serious mental health epidemic with many of the unsheltered population. I would love to see more resources offered in an attempt to address these needs.
There is also a strong component of addiction and chemical dependency which places illicit drugs at the crux of many elements regarding safety and crime Downtown. Another improvement to Downtown would be to regain a proper grocer. The loss of Lunds & Byerlys was a tough blow for many residents and people who work Downtown."
Joaquin continues, "I am not exactly sure what the future holds for Downtown. I am an optimist, so I hope for a revival. I continue to patronize the businesses as best I can, and attend as many events as possible. Also, working for The Saint Paul Fire Department grants me the opportunity to serve the residents when in need either with a medical or fire related emergency."
Captain Rosales has a hard time picking a favorite spot Downtown, "That is a tough one. While I want to say it is Lowertown (Mears - with Jazz Fest, St Paul Saints, & Farmer's Market), I still need to say it is the Rice Park area - especially in Winter - the lights in Rice Park - the Saint Paul Hotel is an establishment I cherish dearly. My wife and I have an annual tradition of attending the Wonderful Life Live Radio Performance every year at the hotel, and usually spend a night there, taking in the wonderful holiday decorations and enjoying the carolers in the lobby. It seems magical, with the back drop of The Landmark Center and The Ordway.
I really wish they would bring back the ice skating rink adjacent to The Landmark Center as they have had in years past. Also, in that same corridor, sits Heimie's Haberdashery. Another crown jewel for Downtown. I have never been in another store quite like it. The style, the service, the straight shave, the shoe shine, the stogies... I walk in and I'm treated like a king. I have always been extremely satisfied with my purchases made there, but it goes beyond just the purchase. It's a whole experience. Between the St Paul Hotel and The Haberdashery, it feels like going back in time."
Joaquin gives back to his community in a unique way, “I am a founding member and the current president of Latino Outreach Society of Bomberos. Our mission is: To create a social and professional association that provides support, retention, and career development to its members. To promote recruitment through education, visibility, and role modeling, thus bridging the gap between The Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services within the Latino Community.”
“I see LOS Bomberos as another opportunity to fulfill the desire I have to be of service. It’s well known that the numbers for applicants within the Fire Service are down across the country, and people are even leaving the job (our Department included) at an unprecedented rate. The idea of LOS Bomberos is two-fold. First, to create an informal support system and build community amongst our membership which would hopefully assist with retention, especially for the newest members.”
“I was raised in a tight family, so that is just what I know. When you come to Station 8 (the station where I am the Captain of Engine / Medic 8), it’s the same feeling of community; it’s how we roll. Our crew and our Station on a whole is a tight team. When you are a part of something, then you belong. When you belong, you are less likely to leave…in theory.”
“That’s another beauty of our group; its ability to be all inclusive. People might see our name or read our Mission Statement and think, that they have to be brown to be down. That’s not the case. Our strength is in the diversity of our membership.”
Joaquin continues, “The second function of the group is to offer community outreach and education in hopes of bridging the gap between the Fire / EMS services and the Latino Community. Every community has their own set of hurdles they deal with. To name a few specific to Latinos, are the fear of calling 911 due to challenges associated with undocumented individuals in their homes, or the requirements and pathway to get into the fire service in general.”
“I think it’s easy to forget that not everyone has grandfathers, uncles or dads who have been there before to show them the way. I look at my own self and never did I imagine that I could or would be a fireman. That’s the gap that we’d like to bridge. It’s done by awareness, by being out in the Community, building bonds and being visible. I call it “organic recruitment”.
“Some people look at this and think - “ah man, that’s a handout”. I laugh. That’s not a “handout”. It’s a hand out. Like, I’ll put my hand out to you so you can shake it, because I’m there. I’m in your neighborhood. I’m at your block party, your church, your school. If you like what you see, then I can show you how to get it. But we’re not going to give it to you. Not going to just “hand it out” to you. If you want it, then you need to come get it. LOS Bomberos is how we make our Department stronger. Our connections to the residents we serve, more impactful. It's how we make our City an even better place to live and to work.”
Wow. Thank You, Joaquin. You've really pulled back the curtain and shared your experience - I am so grateful to you, and all of Engine 8, for letting me photograph The Station and tell your story. Also, LOS Bomberos is amazing✨