SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — There is one Seminole County hero who transforms into an infamous intergalactic villain in his time off — not to cause havoc, but help those in need.

This good guy goes bad in an effort to bring smiles to children dealing with hardships.

In Altamonte Springs, firefighter paramedic Derek Zink spends most of his days in bunker gear.

“It is a rush every time the tones go off, its always going to be something different whether it is a medical call or a fire call,” he said.

But off the clock, this hero turns into a villain. With a quick outfit change, he transforms himself into legendary Star Wars villain Darth Vader

“Nobody knows it is you under the mask," Zink said. "Everybody just sees it is Darth Vader, you kind of forget who you are when you put in the mask."

Zink is part of the Central Florida chapter of the 501st Legion, a group of locals who dress up as Star Wars baddies who give back.

“The 501st Legion saying is, 'Bad guys doing good,' so it is the Star Wars villains and bad guys in the film, but we actually go out and do good in the community and go to community events, hospitals, give kids the world, Camp Boggy Creek and other local events,” said Zink.

Zink said he’s always loved Star Wars and Darth Vader, but got involved in the organization two years ago after going through some tough times himself. 

Now, he’s the real deal, never breaking character in his screen-accurate costume approved by Lucasfilm, and serving the empire and his community.

“Kids as young as 5 or 6 years old all the way up to grown ups that grew up with the Star Wars movies when they came out in theaters," Kink said. "Everybody gets excited to see Darth Vader, storm troopers and other Star Wars characters."

As a firefighter he is used to helping people on their worst days, but in costume — like a Jedi mind trick — he helps kids forget their hardships, even if it's only for a few minutes

“When we walk into the room, their family lights up, the patients light up and it is just very rewarding,” said Zink.

It’s his way of using the dark side for good, making Zink an Everyday Hero.

“I don’t really see it as the bad guy," he said. "Yes, as a character they do bad things, but at the end of the day we are out there to uplift people spirits."

Anyone is welcome to join Zink as part of the 501st Legion, all that is required is that you have screen-accurate Star Wars villain attire that can be approved by the organization.