From Rock Bottom to Fire Lieutenant: Josh Knight’s Story
- Brent Moore
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
7:00 a.m.
Josh Knight was standing in a state-run detox in Atlanta when everything changed.
They were taking his shoelaces. His waistband. Anything he could use to hurt himself.
He’d been through recovery programs before—but never seriously. This time was different.
“I had this God moment,” Josh says. “Something finally clicked. I was resolved to not let this disease steal anymore from me—particularly time and relationships.”
That’s when he called Redeemed Living.
The Gap That Almost Took Everything
Josh’s drinking started in college. By law school, it had taken over his life.
“Everything revolved around alcohol,” he says. “Work functions. Social life. I didn’t think anything of it. I was very selfish.”
Then tragedy struck—twice.
His brother and his brother’s family were killed in a car accident in Italy. Shortly after, his mom passed away.
“That trauma was a great excuse to self-medicate,” Josh admits.
He tried recovery programs before—but only to “get the heat off” or avoid consequences. He never took it seriously.
Then came that moment in the Atlanta detox. Josh checked himself out, called his friend Walter Fish (a former Penfield roommate), and Walter connected him with Randy at Redeemed Living.
“They made a spot for me at the house,” Josh says. “And for whatever reason, by the grace of God, it stuck.”
What Makes Redeemed Different
Josh had been through recovery programs before. But Redeemed Living offered something he’d never experienced:
Faith + Recovery “I didn’t just rely on AA and the 12 steps,” Josh says. “It was my faith that really carried me. Redeemed encourages both—and I believe the two go hand in hand.”
Structure + Stability “Brent gives men the opportunity to have a job, save money, and find stability—under the guidance of men who are in active sobriety.”
A Path to Independence “Redeemed puts in place the skills and tools necessary to live outside that safety net. And to me, that’s what’s most important—learning to live again.”
Who Josh Is Today
Six years sober this April, Josh is unrecognizable from the man who stood in that Atlanta detox.
Today, he’s a Fire Lieutenant—a firefighter medic who went to the fire academy at 41 and thrived.
“I wound down my legal practice to pursue public service,” Josh says. “I’d always used my law degree selfishly—to make money. But I felt God leading me toward something more.”
Now, Josh serves his community as a first responder. He also runs a side business helping firefighters set up and grow their own small businesses.
“If you were to ask people to describe me today,” Josh says, “integrity and responsibility would be the words they’d use.”
This Is What Your Gift Makes Possible
Someone like you helped Josh rebuild his life.
Because of your support, men like Josh: Find freedom from addiction. Rebuild their lives with structure, faith, and accountability. Become leaders in their communities.
This is the power of the Forgotten Step.
It’s not just about sobriety. It’s about restoration.
And it’s only possible because of people like you.
Will You Help Another Man Like Josh?
Right now, there’s another man standing in a detox—shoelaces gone, hope fading.
He’s terrified of what happens next.
Your gift today ensures no man has to walk the Forgotten Step alone.
Donate Now and help us fill the gap.
P.S. Josh’s story proves it: The Forgotten Step is where men find freedom. Your gift today ensures no man has to walk it alone. Donate here.
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