(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Sunday, July 13, a Colorado Springs Firefighter celebrated his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the community.

On Sunday, family, friends, and longtime supporters gathered to honor Alan Kent with a special open house. While Kent was aware of the celebration, he did not expect one special guest, Chloe Huddle, a young woman he helped deliver 21 years ago.

Kent and Huddle share a special bond. After helping bring her into the world, they made a pact; she would celebrate her birthdays at Fire Station 13, and in return, Kent promised to attend her graduations and wedding. In 2022, Huddle graduated from the Classical Academy, and true to his word, Kent was right by her side.

“I graduate college next May, and so he will probably be there for that, and then he’ll be there for my future wedding,” said Huddle. “I don’t know when that will be, but he’ll be there for that. And then I’m sure he’ll be a part of our lives forever. I don’t think there ever be a birthday or celebration where he’s not there.”

Kent said he is excited for the next chapter of his life. He calls his time with the Colorado Springs Fire Department the “Most rewarding career he could have ever asked for.”

“I’m not a golfer, but, you know, just relaxing and hopefully doing some travel with my wife and some fishing too,”