Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in August 2017.

A California firefighter is being praised for his compassion after comforting a young girl at the scene of a serious crash near San Diego. A big rig had crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting two vehicles — one carrying a mother, her two daughters (ages 4 and 6), and another adult family member.While the mother and 6-year-old, who suffered a broken neck, were being treated, firefighter paramedic Ryan Lopez from Heartland Fire & Rescue comforted the uninjured 4-year-old. News cameras captured the tender moment as Lopez held and rocked the child, later giving her water and continuing to hold her as she rested on his shoulder.