In a First, 2 Somali-Americans Joining Ranks of St. Paul Firefighters

The newest firefighters in St. Paul and Minneapolis graduated Friday, including two men who will be the first Somali-American firefighters in St. Paul and possibly the state and nation.

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Abdi Warsame, 28, and Mohamed Daoud, 24, will be the first Somali-American firefighters in St. Paul. Mokosso said they likely are also the first in Minnesota and the United States.

Daoud was born in Somalia in 1995 and fled the country with his family during the civil war that ravaged it.

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Warsame also was born in Somalia, and he came to the U.S. in 1996 when he was about 6. His family stayed in Syracuse, N.Y., for a few months before moving to St. Paul, where he lives now.

Warsame also worked in EMS. He said he was inspired to become a firefighter during a ride-along session and witnessing the firefighters’ camaraderie.

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