Senator Hassan Recognizes Shaun Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month

Senator Hassan Recognizes Shaun Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Shaun Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month for his nearly two decades of work supporting vulnerable children in Rwanda and his dedication to serving others as a fire fighter.

Shaun first traveled to Rwanda in 2008, and in 2010 began volunteering with Ubaka U Rwanda, an organization that provides shelter and support to homeless children. Since then, he has returned to Rwanda 17 times, helping tutor children, prepare meals, and support their education. Through years of visits, Shaun has formed lasting relationships with the children and has watched many of them grow into adults with careers and families of their own.

In addition to returning to Rwanda, Shaun has raised money and awareness for Ubaka U Rwanda and encouraged fellow fire fighters, friends, and family members to get involved. His efforts have inspired others to travel to Rwanda and support the organization themselves, with some returning year after year. Today, Shaun serves as a fire fighter in Portsmouth and continues to return to Rwanda to help ensure that Ubaka U Rwanda can provide children with a safe and supportive place to grow.

Senator Hassan launched the "Granite Stater of the Month" initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a "Granite Stater of the Month," constituents can complete the nomination form here.

To read Senator Hassan's statement for the Congressional Record, see below:

I am honored to recognize Shaun Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month for his extraordinary commitment to public service and nearly two decades of work supporting vulnerable children in Rwanda.

Shaun's commitment to serving others began in New Hampshire. After attending Lakes Region Community College to learn about fire science and emergency services, he served as an on-call fire fighter in Merrimack. He then spent a decade fighting wildfires across the country, including six years on a specialized "hotshot crew" in California and as an Alaska smokejumper that tackled the biggest and most severe wildfires. And during his off seasons from firefighting, Shaun went to Rwanda, often staying for months at a time.

Shaun first traveled to Rwanda in 2008, eager to experience another culture and find a meaningful way to help others. When he returned in 2010, he began teaching English to adults and looking for an opportunity to volunteer with children. Through local connections, Shaun was introduced to Ubaka U Rwanda, a home for homeless children. Many of the children had experienced profound hardship, and the home offered them the stability and care they needed to build a brighter future. Shaun quickly became part of the family, spending his days tutoring the children, playing soccer, cooking and sharing meals, and helping children with their studies. He has now traveled to Rwanda 17 times, forming relationships that have lasted for years and watching children he once knew grow into adults with careers and families of their own.

Over the years, Shaun has worked tirelessly to raise money and build a community of support for Ubaka U Rwanda. His early fundraising efforts in California included organizing running challenges with fellow fire fighters to raise money and awareness for the home. Since returning to New Hampshire, Shaun has continued raising money with the support of members in his community. His dedication has inspired others to become personally involved, with fellow New Hampshire fire fighters, friends, and family members traveling with him to Rwanda and some returning year after year. Shaun now holds his running fundraiser in Rwanda, completing most of a marathon himself before running the final miles alongside the children he has worked for years to support.

Today, Shaun continues to serve as a fire fighter in Portsmouth while returning to Rwanda each year. Nearly two decades after his first trip, Shaun remains committed to raising awareness and support for Ubaka U Rwanda so that the home can continue providing vulnerable children with a safe place to grow and thrive. Shaun's compassion and commitment to serving others both at home and abroad are why I am proud to name him September's Granite Stater of the Month.

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