Believe in public service. Believe in community
Student of the Week: Jesus Ruben Rosillo III
This is more than a job, it’s a passion, and I carry the weight of expectations not only from my family, but also from everyone in the fire department. Working at the same place as my father, puts an extra layer of expectations on me. People plan to see great things from me, and I plan on exceeding those, while writing my own story.
Jesus Ruben Rosillo III is a student in the Fire Academy at South Texas College (STC). He’s fueled with determination to become the finest firefighter he can be.
After graduating from McAllen High School, he embarked on a journey of higher education. His path led him to Sam Houston State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
But things changed for Rosillo and now, he has returned to his roots in the Rio Grande Valley and is dedicating himself to excellence at STC.
“I had in my mind that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement, but things did not go as planned, now I’ve returned to college, and I am pursuing a career as a firefighter,” said the 23-year-old. “My father is in the fire service, so he’s inspired me. I feel this is something that I would be good at and enjoy.”
From the onset, Rosillo has held a belief in the value of public service and a strong desire to support his community.
“When I decided not to do law enforcement and the fact being that my father is in the fire department made me want to try doing firefighting because that is something I feel like I would be good at and here we are “
Rosillo’s dedication to his goal has already been recognized and he has secured a position with the Pharr Fire Department, where his father serves as a lieutenant, after successfully navigating a lengthy application process that included rigorous physical tests.
His journey toward becoming a certified firefighter has been made possible through the sponsorship of the Pharr Fire Department and with the training STC is providing.
“The program is fast paced. It consists of a test every Friday, and along with class lectures, we also do hands-on training so we are prepared to enter the field, but this is nothing I can’t overcome.”
Overall, Rosillo said that firefighting is a passion and although he’s following in his father’s footsteps, he hopes to write his own story in this field.
“This is more than a job, it’s a passion, and I carry the weight of expectations not only from my family, but also from everyone in the fire department,” said Rocio. “Working at the same place as my father, puts an extra layer of expectations on me. People plan to see great things from me, and I plan on exceeding those, while writing my own story.”