Second generation firefighter set to graduate from STC

Following in his father’s footsteps, South Texas College student Christopher Alvarez knew that being a firefighter was in his future and after years of volunteering within the fire service, he’ll finally become a certified firefighter this month, thanks to STC’s Fire Academy.

Raised in Donna, the 20-year-old knew early on that he wanted to make people’s lives better by serving his community, just like his father, who retired as Assistant Fire Chief of the Donna Fire Department after 16 years.

“Since I was a little kid, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” he said. “To be able to positively change somebody’s day and help them, even save lives, is what keeps me going. This is the best job in the world.”

Witnessing from a young age his father’s joy, life experience and sincere desire to help others, gave him a clear vision of what it means to be a firefighter.

“My dad loves talking about his firefighting days, it was really nice to see that he really enjoyed his job and I want to follow that example,” he shared. “I grew up watching him and visiting the fire house; everybody was always welcoming because in a fire station you become a family. That’s one of the things I like the most about this job, it’s all about teamwork and looking out for each other.”  

Alvarez started his journey as a volunteer firefighter for the Donna Fire Department just before graduating high school.

“As soon as I turned 18, I started to volunteer, which helped me learn about the job and confirmed my decision on doing this for the rest of my life,” he shared. “To be a volunteer though, it’s required to obtain certain certifications and once I got started, my team encouraged me to pursue it as a career.”

Alvarez will graduate this Friday, May 5th, as part of STC’s Fire Academy 30th cohort, and already has a job lined up with the Pharr Fire Department.

Even though Alvarez arrived to the college with previous experience, after completing the 16-week academy, he said he is leaving STC with a lot more knowledge and a new family of his own.

“I’m so glad I attended STC. I learned so much more from my instructors and classmates, even the ones that have never been in the fire service have taught me something from their life experience,” he said. “I’m happy I got to share my knowledge with them; I would never keep what I know to myself because we’re a team, we’re here to help the community. I’m so excited for what’s to come and to see everyone succeed. I’ll have teammates all around the Valley.”

Alvarez added that his experience at STC has also helped him improve his skills and abilities as a first responder, and now knows how to use technology to his advantage.

“I definitely got more practice on how to use the tools that every fire department has. We worked with cutting tools, all kinds of hoses and ladders for example,” he said. “Even some I didn’t know existed, such as the fire simulators or computerized visuals that helped us work through scenarios on the computer.”

Alvarez said he’s happy to continue his family legacy and he’s excited about his profession.

“It’s amazing to see how the fire service has progressed and changed over the years. Now, there’s a lot more emphasis on mental health and self-protection, it adds to the sense of teamwork I enjoy so much,” he said. “As a new generation, we can definitely put that into practice because our job requires us to be there for a person’s worst day, it’s in our nature to do the most for someone who’s in distress.”

He added that being a firefighter can be a lot more physically and mentally challenging than most people think, but he says that’s what motivates him to keep going.

“We’re a jack of all trades, we don’t just fight fire, we assist in car crashes, search and rescue or help out the police and paramedics, some of my instructors even delivered babies. There’s a lot more than what people can see from the outside,” he said. 

Alvarez is excited to start his new job with Pharr and plans to return to STC for an associate degree in Fire Science.

“I’m excited to start the station life and working shifts, I learned so much and I’m excited to put everything into practice,” he said. “I want to continue my college education and get an associate degree. I might even go for a bachelor’s degree in the future, there are so many opportunities to grow. I’m ready to keep moving forward.”

For more information on the STC Fire Academy and other trainings and programs offered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.