Acts of courage surround us every day. Whether you are a mother or father, firefighter or policeman, all of us make sacrifices for the benefit and safety of others. These selfless acts of courage and devotion are what help make our communities thrive and safe. One such person making a difference in their community is Roddrick Harrison, a graduate of Loyola University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois who is a clerk for Civil District Court Judge Regina Woods and is a firefighter in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Roddrick is the son of Loretta Harrison, the owner of Loretta’s Authentic Pralines and good friend of INTREN Founder and CEO, Loretta Rosenmayer. Years ago Rosenmayer, travelled to New Orleans, Louisiana where she met another vibrant Loretta - Loretta Harrison; both being of the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit, a true and lasting friendship was formed instantly. Loretta Harrison for the past 35 years has owned Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, a candy store in the heart of downtown New Orleans. Harrison was the first African American woman to successfully own and operate an individually owned praline store in New Orleans. Much like Rosenmayer, Harrison took a large step forward for the progress of business women, and continually gives back to those in need. Harrison lives by the belief that if you “put God first, he will grant you the wishes of your heart.”
Harrison has won numerous awards for her contributions to the economic success of New Orleans, service to her community, and her philanthropic spirit. Though Harrison’s awards are prestigious and plenty, it is her children that have grabbed hold and perpetuated her charitable spirit. Her one son, Roddrick Harrison, understands the sense of community and keeping the community of New Orleans safe. Roddrick graduated last summer from Loyola University College of Law, and works as a clerk for Civil District Court Judge Regina Woods. But what is most impressive about this young man is his vigilance and devotion to his community.
The firefighter/lawyer on a Saturday night in early May was on his way to his mother’s business when he caught sight of a house on fire. After Roddrick called the fire department, he ran in to the smoke-filled, burning house to alert the residents to the fire. Once the residents were safely away from the house, Roddrick apologized for waking them, to which the woman’s mother replied, “You don’t have to apologize. I’m glad you did what you did.” After safely escorting the couple out of the burning home, Roddrick helped connect hoses for the fire department and extinguish the flames that took more than a half hour to get under control. When asked whether a 28-year-old, lifesaving, firefighting lawyer could be considered ambitious, Harrison had a one-word answer: “Absolutely.”
This is just one story of the many stories across the nation about brave men and women who risk their lives and give everything to make their communities safer and better places. Everyone at INTREN would like to thank Roddrick, Loretta and all the individuals across the country who OutPerform. Everyday. to make a difference.
For more information on Roddrick’s life saving story, visit http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/news/12281985-123/off-duty-fireman-saves-two-lives. To learn more about Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, visit https://www.lorettaspralines.com/