MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Let’s hope there are no fire calls in Marion County around 8 p.m. tonight, Monday, March 4.

Firefighters from Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will be glued to the TV to cheer on the son of one of their lieutenants as he makes his debut on MasterChef Junior, a cooking reality show that airs on the FOX television network.

6th grader Michael Seegobin surrounded by his family including dad, Deen (far right), who is a lieutenant with Marion County Fire Rescue. Courtesy: MCFR

Michael Seegobin, the son of MCFR Lieutenant Deen Seegobin, will be showcasing his culinary talents during season 9 of MasterChef Junior.

Michael can be seen several times in a sneak peek video for the popular cooking competition starring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

“Michael’s passion for cooking has shone bright through his homemade videos, catching the attention of Master Chef Jr’s producers,” said MCFR in a Facebook post. “After a rigorous selection process, he’s earned his spot on Season 9!”

Also cheering on Michael will be students from New Smyrna Beach Middle School in Volusia County where Michael is a 6th grader.

Pint-sized chefs aged 8 to 13 compete in cooking challenges testing their culinary skills and creativity. The winner takes home a trophy and $100,000 in prize money.

The FOX website says this year’s contestants face a variety of challenges including cooking a meal for diners at a historical renaissance fair, participating in a WWE-themed episode, and competing to see how they size up to monster trucks at a motocross track.

Regardless of how Michael does, he has a lot of support in Central Florida.

“As Fire Chief of Marion County Fire Rescue, I extend my heartfelt wishes of good luck to Michael Seegobin as he embarks on his exhilarating journey through MasterChef Junior,” said MCFR Fire Chief James Banta. “Michael’s culinary talent and dedication inspire us all, and we are immensely proud to name him the official Master Junior Chef of Marion County Fire Rescue. I am looking forward to him cooking a meal for his dad and the crew at MCFR Weirsdale Station #27.”

We just wonder if he says, “Yes, dad!” as well as he says, “Yes, chef!”

Best wishes Michael!