A 3-year-old boy in Pasco County rushed to help deputies this week while they responded to a vehicle fire. The boy dressed up in his firefighter uniform to help save the day.

But there's more to his story and why his family has a very special relationship with first responders.

  • Morgan Lastowski won the hearts of Station 36 firefighters
  • She died at 2 years old from kidney disease
  • Family keeps relationship with fire department going today

Decked out in a helmet and boots, Cason Lastowski walks into Station 36 as part of the crew. "He just has a helping spirit about him, he always says he wants to rescue everyone," said Cason's mom, Emily Lastowski.

So why not learn from the best?

"Cason shows up quite a bit, it's actually his reward for school," said driver, engineer and medic Dan Digeon. "If he's doing well in school he'll stop by the fire station."

Cason has actually been a visitor there since before he was born. Before Cason was the star, it was actually his sister who caught the crew's hearts.

Morgan Lastowski was born with a heart defect and was having an emergency back in August 2012. "I ended up having to to bring her here because I realized when I got her in the car that I couldn't make it to the hospital with her," said Lastowski.


Morgan Lastowski with Pasco County firefighters. She died at the age of 2.

 

After Morgan's hospital stay, they came back. "She has an infectious personality, she really was very happy. She liked to snuggle up on you, she giggled a lot," said Digeon.

She didn't stop visiting. "It's pretty amazing when you walk in the door and they've got toys wrapped up, and to see all of these men sitting on the floor playing with her and baby dolls," said Lastowski.

Those happy visits came to a halt in July 2013. Morgan was diagnosed with kidney disease and passed away at the age of 2. But she's living strong in the crew's hearts -- they proudly wear an "M" on their helmets.

"Anyone that comes in here, doesn't matter if it's 25 years from now, will know the story of Morgan," said Digeon.

Her story continues through her brother Cason who may not have known his sister, but has her spark. "To have that same energy and that same spirit that was so much like her back in the station again, really does a lot for them, and does a lot for us too," said Lastowski.

Cason is leaving an imprint, and he may not even know it.