Alumni Spotlight - Austin Murdock

Initially, Austin Murdock had aspirations of playing college baseball after high school graduation. In his senior year, he signed up for a fire cadet program and enjoyed the class so much that he decided to turn down multiple baseball scholarships to begin pursuing a career in fire service. He enrolled in EvCC’s fire science program after hearing high recommendations from career firefighters throughout the state. “My time at EvCC was extremely helpful in achieving my dream job,” he recalls. “I made friendships that will last a lifetime and was offered employment right away—receiving on-the-job training—all while attending EvCC.” He is currently serving as a professional firefighter/emergency medical technician in Chelan and advises current students: “Nothing in life worth having comes easy. Work hard and don’t give up on your goals!”

What is your current occupation/career?

Professional Firefighter/EMT with Chelan Fire & Rescue.

How did you choose EvCC? Was there a selection process involved in your decision making?

My choice to attend EvCC came towards the end of my senior year of high school when I decided I wanted a career in fire service. The EvCC Fire Science program was highly recommended by career firefighters throughout Washington state.

Initially, I had aspirations of playing college baseball after high school. The last half of my senior year was approaching and I decided to sign up for a fire cadet program offered at Leavenworth’s volunteer fire station (Chelan County Fire District 3). I enjoyed the class so much that I  was inspired to become a career fireman after graduating the cadet program. I decided to turn down multiple baseball scholarships in order to begin my pursuit towards my career. Little did I know it would be the best decision I’ve ever made in my life!

Having a college degree isn't necessarily required to become a Firefighter/EMT. However, it's undoubtedly in your best interests to have one. The EvCC Fire Science Program is very unique compared to other fire science programs offered throughout Washington state for multiple reasons.

EvCC offers the fire science degree as a AAS-T degree, which means your credits should transfer with you down the road if you decide to further your education. EvCC is also unique in that it offers it's own Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class and Fire Academy. The EMT class and Fire Academy EvCC offers give you the required certifications you need in order to apply for part-time and full-time Firefighter/EMT positions throughout the country. Lastly, the program is designed to accommodate the working firefighter in that you can take online courses. I was able to get hired as a part-time FF/EMT with two departments here in Snohomish County and still take classes towards my fire science degree! 

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career? How?

My time at EvCC was extremely helpful in my pursuit to achieving my dream job. Enrolling in the fire science program immediately connected me with fire service members and helped me make friendships that will last a lifetime. I was able to get employed right away and got on the job training, all while still attending EvCC. 

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

After graduation, I moved back to my hometown of Leavenworth to continue working as a part-time firefighter. ( I commuted to work for Marysville Fire District and Lake Stevens Fire),  and began applying for full-time firefighter positions. 

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you? If so, please tell me about that relationship and why it was valuable.

There are several people at EvCC who acted as mentors for me. Fire science program assistant Trudy LaDoucer was extremely helpful in getting me into the correct classes and offering advice whenever I needed it! Not to mention, she is one of kindest people you'll ever meet! EvCC's Fire Academy and EMT class in particular offer top-notch training from instructors/professors who are well respected members in the fire service and go out of their way to help guide students in the right direction.    

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

Nothing in life worth having comes easy. Work hard and don't give up on your goals! Continue to test frequently; you're entering a time period where there are numerous opportunities. Agencies are looking for qualified people to join their team and commit to public service.