A Bridgeport firefighter who gave the gift of life is receiving some royal attention.

“At first, I didn't think it was real,” says Tim Landock, who has been with the department for 29 years.

But the photo collage posted by the Instagram account of British royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is no fake. The top middle image in the post is a regular around the firehouse in Bridgeport.

“I got a kick out of that. I sent it to my wife and my kids and stuff. They thought it was hilarious,” Landock says.

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex captioned the post:

"For the month of February we are pleased to follow @GlobalPositiveNews which focuses on the acts of kindness and uplifting stories of community across the globe. We hope you enjoy!"

Landock's picture shows him holding Dylan Quiroa. It was taken shortly after Landock donated part of his liver to the then 1-year-old from Kentucky, a boy he had never met before.

“It's humbling, 'cause I’m just an ordinary dude,” Landock says. “I’m not, nothing special. Never thought I was special. I’m, you know, overweight, 50-year-old-something guy that could help a baby out. It's amazing, truly amazing.”

And so is Dylan's progress.

Next week will mark a year since the transplant. Landock and his wife spent Christmas Eve with Dylan's family in Rhode Island. They're also now the 2-year-old's godparents.

“You can't stop him now. I mean, he's constantly moving, constantly running around,” Landock says.

Since the surgery, Landock has become an outspoken advocate for living organ donation.

“His parents didn't have to bury their son, you know, that's the thing that gets me choked up now,” Landock adds.

He also hopes the new international exposure to his story will encourage more people to consider saving a life.

“To have the royal couple who, you know, millions of people follow, that just puts, you know, puts it out even more.”