BLYTHE, Calif. — Whether he’s working at Genesis Solar or responding to emergencies, Cody Rasmussen’s commitment to safety and service shines.
A lifelong resident of Blythe, Calif., Rasmussen began his career at a local automotive shop, where he worked alongside volunteer firefighters who inspired his passion for community service.
“They would leave work in the middle of the day for a fire or to provide medical aid, then come back and get straight back to work,” Rasmussen recalls. “It really intrigued me.”
That curiosity led him to join Blythe’s volunteer fire department in 2014. Since then, he’s earned his EMT and engineer certifications. Now, Rasmussen drives fire engines and leads emergency scenes when senior personnel aren’t present.
“The department has become like a second family,” he explains. “The culture and brotherhood we have is really important to me.”
In April 2021, Rasmussen made a career transition, joining NextEra Energy as a production technician at Genesis Solar, following the recommendation of a fellow volunteer firefighter. His mechanical expertise and safety-first mindset have made him an asset to the team.
Rasmussen’s dual roles have shaped how he views everyday life.
“It’s honestly become second nature,” he says. “Our training at the fire department and the safety culture at the company have really opened my eyes to the hazards in daily life.”
That vigilance proved lifesaving during a vacation in Las Vegas, when Rasmussen performed CPR on a drowning victim at his hotel pool.
“At that moment, there really wasn’t anything going through my mind beyond that he needed help,” Rasmussen says. “Our training teaches us to react and take action based on what we see and hear.”
Thanks to Rasmussen’s quick response and coordination with emergency personnel, the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
It seems to be a recurring theme with Rasmussen—to always be on alert to provide help to those in need. As another example, he recently jumped into action to help a family in an overturned vehicle on I-10 near the Genesis Solar site.
Rasmussen and his fellow firefighters are deeply involved in community events. From providing medical coverage at high school football games to participating in the local Cancer Resource Society’s walk, their community involvement is far-reaching.
One of their most cherished traditions is “Civil Servants for Santa,” where they take 100 local children Christmas shopping with donated gift cards.
Another favorite is Fourth of July, when they host one of Southern California’s largest free fireworks displays, drawing more than 1,000 attendees each year.
This year, NextEra Energy supported the event, demonstrating how dedicated individuals like Rasmussen can help align company initiatives with community needs.
“Most rewarding is the relationships I’ve made and simply being able to help people in need,” Rasmussen shares. “Whether it’s a smile from one of the kids during Civil Servants or being there for someone who may be having the worst day of their life, that’s what matters.”
From solar fields to emergency scenes, Rasmussen exemplifies how safety leadership and community service go hand in hand. He personifies that when service is second nature, every action becomes a chance to make a difference.
