When Paul Hookham retired from the Delta Fire Department in 2012, he had served for 27 years. The 61-year-old was not only the department's fire captain, but he has also served as a mountain guide and an avalanche forecaster. Hookham's passion for first response work is only trumped by his love for songwriting. The former firefighter signed with Crucial Music and has written songs for big-name musicians.
However, when Hookham's son told him about the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense group that rescues victims from bombed out areas, he used his talent for a cause. According to the White Helmets website, more than 50 bombs are dropped on Syrian neighborhoods each day. Many of these barrel bombs are filled with chlorine and nails. Hookham found out that these brave first responders enter areas to rescue civilians even as bombs are being dropped on their heads. Hookham penned a song called "A Far Cry," which he hopes will draw attention and support to the White Helmets' cause. He partnered with the drummer from Collective Soul as well as several other artists in order to make the song free. Hookham's goal was that his music would inspire people to sign the White Helmets' petition to ban barrel bombs and establish no-fly zones.