All We Need Is Love.

Sven Peltonen is doing big things. Huge things. Please take the time to read about it.

Atlantic City firefighter helps out in Haiti

MICHELLE LEE Staff Writer Posted: Monday, January 25, 2010

In his day job, Sven Peltonen spends his time rescuing people as an Atlantic City firefighter and as a Brigantine lifeguard and emergency medical technician.

Now, the 33-year-old Atlantic City resident is using all his skills as a volunteer earthquake relief worker in Haiti, helping orphans and making emergency food deliveries, according to his parents, Augie and Jane Peltonen, of Brigantine.

Peltonen, a rookie firefighter and 17-year lifeguard veteran, was on vacation from the fire department when he took off for his solo trip Jan. 16, four days after the 7.0-magnitude quake struck, Augie Peltonen said Sunday.

“He was watching CNN intently, and suddenly he disappeared,” Augie Peltonen said. “Then, suddenly, we got an e-mail from him saying he was on his way.”

According to Augie Peltonen, Sven’s e-mail said: “I’m off to another life-changing adventure. ... I know I can help people who need it. It’s going to be great to do this. This may be the greatest thing I do. I’m a little scared and nervous, but I think I’ll be fine. ... All we need is love.”

While Sven has traveled abroad before, Augie Peltonen said this was his son’s first time going into an emergency disaster zone, and he left with only a backpack, some clothing and antibiotics, steel-tipped work boots and a cell phone.

Augie Peltonen said Sven took a train to Philadelphia, caught a flight to Puerto Rico and another plane to the Dominican Republic. Sven managed to hook up with a rescue team from the Lifechurch mission of Allentown, Pa., on Jan. 17 and crossed the mountains by van into Haiti to help at an orphanage in Fond Parisien, Augie said. He later moved on to help with relief efforts in Port-au-Prince, the capital city near the epicenter of the earthquake.

The Peltonens said Sven has been text messaging his brother, John Comet, 23, and the family has been posting his messages on Facebook. They also have been learning about Sven’s work through reports by Channel 69 News of Allentown, Pa., and the Deseret News of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jane Peltonen said son Sven called them Thursday on a borrowed phone and told them he could not believe that emergency food and medical supplies were tied up at the airport. “We were all worried, what was he doing? We were afraid he’s by himself with no backup support, trying to give food to the people,” she said.

The Peltonen family later found out that Sven was safe and had joined another volunteer medical group organized by Jeremy Johnson, a Utah businessman and millionaire who brought his own jet, helicopter and rescue crews. The group has been helping out by transporting the injured, medical personnel and food supplies from dawn to dusk, according to the Deseret News.

“He’s a hero, that’s all I can say,” Augie said. “That’s the way he is, he’s selfless, he’s sensitive to humanity.”

Sven’s vacation ends Feb. 3, and Augie Peltonen and Comet said they are unsure when — or how — he would return.

Atlantic City fire Battalion Chief Robert Solari said he was not surprised by Sven’s humanitarian trip.

Solari, who has known Sven for 20 years both as a firefighter and lifeguard, said his friend “takes everything to heart, and he has a very giving and caring personality.”

“I’m sure he’s pouring his heart out, trying to help every individual,” Solari said.

Solari, who also is a Brigantine city councilman, said he looks forward to his return and to hearing his stories.

“We’‘ll certainly do something on City Council for recognition,” he said. “Then, Sven’s the type of person who wouldn’t expect it and not look for it. It’s something he’ll do (anyway). He sees a need and will address it.”

(Photos courtesy of Deseret News, Utah. Click here for the full gallery.)

Contact Michelle Lee:

609-272-7256

MLee@pressofac.com