GRESHAM, Ore. -- Bo Thran has spent a good portion of his life protecting people.
As an offensive lineman for Sam Barlow High School and the University of Oregon, Bo's job was to make sure his people stayed safe. Now in his new role with the Gresham fire department, the job description is strikingly similar.
From 2007-2010, Bo played tackle for the University of Oregon and anchored the offensive line during one of the most successful eras in school history. His career culminated in an appearance in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game where his Oregon team narrowly lost to Auburn in the game's final seconds. His experience at Oregon taught him about teamwork, selflessness and dedication to a greater good.
Bo chased the dream of the NFL for a few years, but when it didn't work out he turned his focus back home and began looking for a place to hang his helmet. A friend suggested he look at a career as a firefighter and the teamwork, family atmosphere and pressure packed performance perfectly filled the void left by football.
Bo's new station is less than two miles from the house in which he grew up and he takes a great amount of pride in the fact that he is protecting a community that gave so much to him. Sometimes you take the long way just to end up back home.