Los Angeles County Fire Department Firefighter Christian “CJ” Bigelow was born and raised in California, the eldest of five brothers. His childhood was marked by challenges, but also by resilience, tight family bonds, and a love for the outdoors. He and his brothers filled their days with sports, skateboarding, BMX riding, dirt biking—and the occasional yardwork.
In high school, Bigelow played center on the football team and spent his free time snowboarding and skating. It was during this time that he met his future fiancée, Kina, in chemistry class. Though their romance didn’t begin until years later, their connection endured.
Bigelow’s desire to serve began early. In 2012, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve, driven by both a sense of duty and a strategic goal: to distinguish himself in the highly competitive field of firefighting. As a Senior Airman in the Air Force Reserve, he served with the 752 AMXS. The Air Force became a powerful stepping stone toward his dream of becoming a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. That dream became a reality in 2017 when he entered the fire academy, and Bigelow still proudly serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic with LACoFD at Firehouse 93. He continues to embrace every opportunity to grow and move forward with excellence despite an incident that changed his life dramatically.
On January 25, 2024, while responding to a rescue call with lights and sirens, Bigelow’s vehicle was hit head-on by a driver traveling in the opposite direction. Trapped in the wreckage, Bigelow required 20 minutes of extrication. His partner and longtime friend, Dustin Roberto—despite suffering a concussion—freed himself, radioed for help, and began working to rescue Bigelow with the assistance of a nearby deputy. Bigelow sustained multiple severe injuries: a fractured pelvis in three places, a broken back (L5-S1 vertebrae), and an open fracture of his left tibia, fibula, and ankle. These injuries ultimately led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Despite the trauma, Bigelow’s spirit remains unshaken. One of his greatest passions is flying—prior to the accident, he had begun ground school to earn his private pilot license, a goal he still plans to pursue. He also loves driving and anything with an engine. Together with Kina, he stays active in the community, attending town hall meetings and local events, and they are in the final stages of launching a business.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Firefighter Christian “CJ” Bigelow believes in the power of perseverance and community. He encourages those who are facing adversity to “stay in the fight” and lean on others when needed. He considers the support he has received from Tunnel to Towers to be life-changing. When asked what excites him most about the future, Bigelow reflects, “I think what excites me the most overall is the idea of what my new future holds for me. I’m looking forward to playing this new hand I was dealt!”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Los Angeles County Fire Department Firefighter Christian “CJ” Bigelow with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.