A medical call at a Mesa senior living community turned into an unexpected concert, and firefighter Derek Andresen is going viral again because of it.
After responding to the call, Andresen and his crew made sure the patient was cared for. Before leaving, Andresen noticed a piano in the community gathering space and sat down to play.
Residents gathered around as the self-taught pianist and firefighter filled the room with music. The impromptu performance brought smiles, tears and applause from seniors at the facility.
Someone recorded the moment on video, and within days it had been viewed more than a million times online. Comments also poured in from across the country.
Even Andresen’s mother joined the online conversation, sharing that her son taught himself how to play.
It is not the first time Andresen has drawn attention for a performance at the piano. During the pandemic, he also gained attention online with another musical performance.
The Mesa Fire and Medical Department highlighted him in a post on X, writing: “Meet Probationary #Firefighter Derek Andresen. Captain/Paramedic Burleson of Engine 220 found out his new firefighter had this talent after clearing a call at an assisted living facility. 🎶 🎹 #InspireMesa #MesaAZ”
ABC15’s Cameron Polom spoke with Andresen and the seniors who said they were touched by the performance.
Read more from ABC15.
