I was five years old when my father advised me, “Patrick, you can be anything you want to be in life, except for a firefighter.” I’m certain his intention was not to disparage a proud profession, one in which he served the people of Baltimore for four decades, like his father before him. He wished, instead, to close one door so that all others would be flung widely open to me. From that day I was compelled to pursue my own dream, and not chase his.

In the last decade of his career, Captain Patrick P. Flynn became the first Public Information Officer of the Baltimore Fire Department. He became a trusted face and voice in good times and tragedy. He continued to serve the people of his city, but now in a different way.

In this role, my Dad was appointed to the Baltimore Film Commission, allowing him the great fortune to work on many TV shows and movies, including Director Barry Levinson’s trilogy about his life and family in Baltimore. The last of those films is a poignant epic tracing the journey from the arrival of Mr. Levinson’s grandfather in Baltimore, through the family’s quest to assimilate and achieve success in America.The climactic scene involves a warehouse fire, and rather than cast an actor in the role, Mr. Levinson chose to immortalize my father as the Fire Chief. It was great fun for him, and a terrific Easter egg for the folks of Baltimore.

Every time I watch this film it gives me a chance to remember my Dad and his guidance that led me to the field of medicine that I love so much. That film is Avalon. Avalon, home of the heart. The legendary island where King Arthur was taken to mend from battle and an allusion to ancient wisdom, spiritual healing energy, and personal growth.

There is no more fitting name for my next journey - Avalon Pediatric Cardiology.

This one’s for you, Pop.