Firefighter
Brentwood Fire & Rescue, Brentwood, TN
Degree: AAS
Major: Fire Service Technology
Class Year: 2013
Like many of us as children, I had always loved fire trucks. As I grew older, I always looked up to firefighters, I held them to such a high standard that I never thought I’d be good enough to be one myself. When I turned 16 years old, I joined the explorer cadet program at the Melvin Fire Protection District. This was the beginning of my volunteer career. At this point, I still never thought it would be achievable to become a career firefighter. After graduating high school, I still didn’t know what I wanted to study in college, but I took a chance and decided to do a ride along with a local full-time fire department. I asked those firefighters more questions than you can imagine! Of course, I immediately fell in love with the job, and I soon realized that becoming a career firefighter was within my reach. That day, they encouraged me to look into Parkland’s FST Program, and that fall I started my first semester in the program. It did not take long to realize that Parkland’s FST program was the right choice for me. I knew right away that this program was one of my first steps to becoming a career firefighter.
On February 20, 2017 I was hired as a career firefighter for the City of Brentwood, TN. One of Brentwood’s requirements to get hired is to have 60 college credit hours, so my AAS from Parkland allowed me to be able to test for the department, which I placed on the top of their list. This is not the only time that this degree will help me in my career. In a few short years I will be eligible to test for the position of Lieutenant and this degree will help me secure extra preference points in the testing process.
If your dream is to become a career firefighter, then I cannot stress enough the importance of this program. It’s hard work, but it will be one of the biggest steps you can take towards becoming a career firefighter. This program is designed for everyone from current firefighters to someone who has very little to no experience in this field. Regardless of your prior experience you can excel in this program and continue down your path to becoming a career firefighter.
John Stroud
Firefighter
Effingham Fire Dept. Effingham, IL
Degree: AAS
Major: Fire Service Technology
Class Year: 2006
I have been interested in the fire service for as far back as I can remember! After graduating high school I enlisted in the Navy where I actually began training and working in the fire field aboard a ship. That experience only made my love for the fire service grow. My time in the military offered me an opportunity to complete my education in this program using the GI Bill. So, on June 21st, 1995 I left the ship and headed back to Illinois. Upon my return I was eager to enroll in Parkland’s Program. Little did I know at the time, I was about to make one of the most important moves of my fire career.
My enrollment in the program and subsequent graduation has paid dividends many times over. I accumulated a vast knowledge from Parkland’s fire program. The program itself has shown to be a strong foundation to my career at many levels. The program even allowed me to secure a position with a career department.
On February 12, 2008 I was hired on as a full time career firefighter with the City of Effingham. Because of my AAS from Parkland I was awarded 5 extra points on the final list. Those 5 points can and do make all the difference. Just last month a promotional exam was held and I've secured a future position as a Lieutenant. This degree has also helped me in completing my Fire Officer I certification.
I would urge anyone looking to join the fire service, as well as current members of the fire service, to take advantage of this program. As I look back at my younger self, I never imagined how great this program would be for my career
Steve Clarkson
Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, (Ret)
Champaign Fire Dept. Champaign, IL
Degree: AAS
Major: Fire Service Technology
Class Year: 2003
With 35 years as a firefighter under his belt, Steve Clarkson considers his Parkland College fire science training a springboard to advancement in this career field. Steve advises anyone interested in Parkland’s Fire Service Technology program to take full advantage, not only of its excellent curriculum, but also of other courses the college offers.
“Completing my AAS at Parkland gave me confidence that I had the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue my career goal of fire chief,” he says. “I received instruction from quality faculty at the lowest cost anywhere. It is the greatest education value available!”
Clarkson used his Parkland credentials to earn a BS in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and move up the ranks of the Champaign Fire Department. “I am a believer that you get out of your education exactly what you put into it,” he says. “The instructors in the Fire Science program are experienced fire officers who use that experience and knowledge to help students learn. However, Ed Kelly, my speech instructor at the time, was also excellent at coaching and developing my public speaking ability, which is a very necessary skill in becoming a leader in the fire service.
“I very much enjoyed the positive atmosphere created by Parkland’s students and staff. We were all there to help each other better ourselves as we learned together.”
Cheryl Horvath
Division Chief of Logistics,
Northwest Fire District, Tucson, Arizona
Degree: AAS
Major: Fire Service Technology
Class Year: 2000
Since earning her associate’s degree, District Chief of Logistics Cheryl Horvath has served two decades of an illustrious career, highlighted by a high-profile rescue and dedicated promotion of women leadership in the fire/emergency service profession. Horvath holds a Bachelor of Science in Program Management from the University of Illinois. She began working as a full-time firefighter in Illinois in 1992, serving with Urbana Fire Rescue Service where she was promoted to Company Officer. She also trained firefighters as a field instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute for 15 years.
"The Parkland College Fire Service Technology Program provided me with cognitive knowledge, adding depth to my fire service training and preparing for these promotional opportunities," she said. "The American fire service embraces degree programs as important steps in officer professional development, and Parkland's program compliments that effort."
A strong proponent of women as firefighters, Chief Horvath is past president of the board of trustees for the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (www.i-women.org). She receives “phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages from women all over the world, asking for guidance and advice” on firefighter issues and pursuits.