Future Firefighter in Training — My Fire Academy Journey

Help Devin Become a Firefighter

Since I was young, I have always admired the bravery and selflessness of firefighters. The idea of being the one who runs toward danger when others are running away has been my lifelong dream. For me, this is not just a career choice, it is a calling. Firefighting represents courage, sacrifice, and service, all the values I have tried to live by every day.

This January I have the opportunity to finally take the next big step by attending the Fire Academy at Merced College. The academy runs from January 12 to May 1, 2026, and it is a highly demanding and respected program that prepares students for a future in the fire service. Getting to this point has taken years of preparation and dedication. I have already completed the Fire-30 Fire Protection Organization course, passed my medical physical, finished the Candidate Physical Ability Test, and earned my EMT certification. Each of these milestones has been a challenge, but every time I passed a test, every time I pushed through exhaustion, I felt one step closer to the career I’ve always dreamed of.

I am proud to say that I will be the first in my family to enter the fire service. That means a lot to me because it shows that dreams can be built from hard work, discipline, and determination. I hope that by blazing this trail, I can inspire others in my family and community to pursue their passions and to believe that no goal is too far out of reach when you commit to it fully.

The only obstacle that remains is financial. The academy requires tuition, safety gear, uniforms, and equipment, and those costs add up quickly. I have been working and saving everything I can to make this dream a reality, but even with that effort, I cannot cover all of the expenses on my own. That is why I am reaching out for support. Every dollar donated will go directly toward the costs of attending the academy, and each contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to stepping into class on day one.

When I imagine myself standing in uniform for the first time as a firefighter, I do not just see a personal dream fulfilled. I see the opportunity to serve my community, to save lives, and to give back in the most meaningful way possible. I see myself answering the call in someone’s darkest moment and being able to offer strength, compassion, and action. That is why this matters so deeply to me.

I know the road ahead will not be easy. The academy will challenge me physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I am ready for that challenge because I have prepared for it, and because the goal at the end is worth every ounce of effort. This is not just about me wanting a career. It is about stepping into a role where I can make a real difference, day after day, for as long as I am able.

Your support means more than words can express. By helping me reach this goal, you are not only investing in my future, but you are also investing in the safety and well-being of the community I will one day serve. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for your generosity, and thank you for helping me turn this dream into reality.