Student Firefighters: The Blend of Education and Emergency Response
Balancing studies and saving lives, these student firefighters exemplify courage and commitment.
Town of Elon Fire Department, Elon University Volunteers
When emergencies strike in Elon, a unique team of heroes rushes to the scene— college students. The Town of Elon Fire Department consists of full and part-time employees and volunteers, covering two stations in Elon.
Gage Brinker: Part-time Firefighter, Full-time Student
Elon sophomore Gage Brinker, an exercise science major with a minor in biology, juggles a packed schedule. As a part-time firefighter and volunteer with the Elon Fire Department, Brinker’s journey into firefighting began almost by accident. His EMT certification sparked an interest in joining the department, and after settling into his first semester at Elon University, he found himself falling in love with the work and camaraderie of the team.
“I loved it, so I decided to join,” Brinker said. “I decided that I really liked firefighting, so I actually ended up going to the Fire Academy in the summer to get certifications.”
Brinker spent his summer at the Fire Academy in Cleveland County, North Carolina, a 10-week program funded by the state that combined hands-on training with classroom instruction. The experience solidified his passion for the profession.
“Feeling the adrenaline of being under stress, high heat, low visibility— it just was incredible.”
For student firefighters like Brinker, responding to campus emergency calls is about more than fulfilling a duty. It’s an opportunity to connect with peers during moments of need, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of community. From routine alarms to critical emergencies, these encounters help bridge the gap between professional responsibility and personal relationships on campus.
“Whether I'm riding on the truck or getting off and going into somebody's building it's fun to see people you know,” Brinker said. “I think it's good to build those connections with people. To let them know that we're there for them no matter what life brings them.”
A typical day for the Elon Fire Department includes inspecting gear, attending meetings, and engaging in organized training sessions. Yet for Brinker, one of the highlights of the job is spending time with the team.
“We get pretty tight, you know, almost like a second family,” Brinker said. “Spending upwards of 24 hours a day with a group of people, you get to know them pretty well.”
Gage Brinker's firefighting jacket hung up at the Elon Fire Department.
Gage Brinker's firefighting jacket hung up at the Elon Fire Department.
Gage Brinker in full gear after training. Photo credit: Gage Brinker
Gage Brinker in full gear after training. Photo credit: Gage Brinker
Area where firefighters at the station relax and socialize.
Area where firefighters at the station relax and socialize.
Gloria Tena smiles next to truck at Station 8 in the Elon Fire Department.
Gloria Tena smiles next to truck at Station 8 in the Elon Fire Department.
Gloria Tena demonstrates how a ladder on the fire truck is used.
Gloria Tena demonstrates how a ladder on the fire truck is used.
Gloria Tena poses for photo at the Elon Fire Department.
Gloria Tena poses for photo at the Elon Fire Department.
Gloria Tena explains how the fire department uses specific trucks.
Gloria Tena explains how the fire department uses specific trucks.
Gloria Tena: From First Aid to Firefighting
Elon junior Gloria Tena, an international business major with a minor in Asian studies, signed up to become a volunteer firefighter during her first week at Elon University. Tena’s passion was ignited by an unlikely source— first-responder television shows. After learning first aid in high school, she realized her interest in helping others and decided to become a firefighter.
“I honestly thought it was just basic first aid, just tend to simple wounds, just give a band aid or something like that, or CPR— it was much more than that,” Tena said. “We basically trained like firefighters would.”
In addition to her roles as a student and volunteer firefighter, Tena also serves as a resident assistant, supporting and guiding fellow students in their on-campus living experience. Balancing her academic workload, firefighting duties, and RA responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming.
“When we have fire alarms, I'm always at the door making sure that everyone's getting out,” Tena said. “I have definitely had kind of those gray lines of being an RA as well as being an EMT, because they have separate protocols.”
Tena emphasized the profound impact of her training as a volunteer firefighter, highlighting the privilege of being equipped with essential life-saving skills. Reflecting on her experience, she noted how these lessons enable her and her fellow firefighters to assist people during their most vulnerable moments.
“We were taught skills that we are using to help others in any very vulnerable moment."
The Elon Fire Department’s volunteer program currently has the largest number of student volunteers in a while, according to Tena. There are around 11 active volunteers, including Tena, who dedicate their time to helping those in the Elon area.
“It's been great welcoming all the students to the fire department,” Tena said. “When I joined in August of 2022, at the time, and so from there, we started gaining more students. So I'm very happy to see how our student volunteer program has grown.”
Tena reminds student volunteers that they are students first and that academics should be their top priority.
“Specifically for students, I remind them that school is first,” Tena said. “The only reason why you're here is because of school. So, put your academics first.”
Molly Moylan: Academic and Extracurricular Dedication
Elon junior Molly Moylan, a biochemistry major with a minor in neuroscience, is deeply involved in various organizations across campus. From contributing to the yearbook club and managing the softball team to participating in Habitat for Humanity, America Reads, and volunteering with the Elon Fire Department, Moylan embraces every opportunity. These commitments highlight her dedication to fostering community and honing her skills.
One pivotal moment in her journey was her decision to join the local fire department, a role that has had a transformative impact on her. After earning her EMT certification during the summer of her sophomore year, Moylan sought ways to volunteer and found fulfillment in helping others.
“I just always kind of gravitated towards it,” Moylan said. “I think there's something really admirable about putting someone else's needs above your own.”
Despite her demanding schedule, Moylan allocates Tuesdays to fire department training. The sessions are physically intensive, featuring tasks like forcible entry exercises, search and rescue simulations, and hose management. While these challenges test her endurance and coordination, she finds the experience deeply satisfying.
“It's like you feel like you're part of, like, a role that not everybody gets to know about,” Moylan said.
Looking to the future, Moylan intends to take a gap year after completing her undergraduate studies. However, for now, she is committed to volunteering as much as possible, particularly during school breaks.
“When school is out, I'll have significantly more time, so I really can put in my hours at the station,” Moylan said.
Moylan credits her family as a consistent pillar of support, even though they are not directly involved in her volunteer activities.
“They're kind of just like, ‘Yeah, if anyone's gonna do it's probably gonna be Molly.’,” Moylan said.
Grady Hildebrand poses in front of a Town of Elon Fire Department firetruck.
Grady Hildebrand poses in front of a Town of Elon Fire Department firetruck.
Plaque outside of the Town of Elon Fire Department, listing Elon College (University) volunteers in 1988.
Plaque outside of the Town of Elon Fire Department, listing Elon College (University) volunteers in 1988.
Grady Hildebrand sits in a firetruck, while posing for a photo.
Grady Hildebrand sits in a firetruck, while posing for a photo.
Grady Hildebrand: Following a Passion for Service from Student to Firefighter
“After I graduated in 2022, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Grady Hildebrand said, an Elon University alumnus and now a full-time engineer for the Elon Fire Department.
During his freshman year, Hildebrand thought he wanted to major in exercise science. That shifted to biology as he developed a strong interest in becoming a physician’s assistant. However, it wasn’t until his junior year that he joined the Elon Fire Department as a volunteer.
“It was something I enjoyed doing, but I didn’t think it would become my career.”
Although it wasn’t obvious to him at first, his passion for service through volunteering ultimately led Hildebrand to realize that this was the path he had been meant to follow all along.
“I don’t think ‘rewarding’ is the right word, but ‘humbling’,” Hildebrand said. “To know that you’re the one showing up when people are having their worst day and they need help.”
Hildebrand’s deep connection to the Elon community made him eager to spend as much time as possible at the station. Surrounded by other firefighters, they developed a strong bond that Hildebrand truly values.
“My shift is great,” Hildebrand said. “We know when to be serious and do the job well, and we train to provide the best service we can to this community.”
For Hildebrand, this dedication to service is more than just a profession—it’s a core part of who he is. As he put it, “Service has always been instilled and ingrained in who I am.”
Ray Pruitt: The Impact of Student Volunteers at the Elon Fire Department
Assistant Chief Ray Pruitt, an employee of Elon University’s Campus Safety and Police, has seen countless student volunteers come and go from the Town of Elon Fire Department over his 34 years of dedication as a volunteer firefighter.
“The students that have come through this organization have been a great blessing to the fire department for extra manpower,” Pruitt said.
The additional help students provide truly makes a difference, according to Pruitt. He explained that it can be difficult to find volunteers for the station, which is why the students’ contributions are so impactful—especially this year, when they’ve had one of the largest classes of student volunteers in recent years.
With the support of staff like Pruitt, they encourage students to keep their focus on academics. Maintaining a sharp mind and academic performance is key for these student volunteers.
“A lot of our students will come in here and study here at the station,” Pruitt said. “They either go to the kitchen table or come back here to do their homework, so they can be around the firehouse in case we get a call.”
Regardless of their skill level, Pruitt noted that volunteering provides a valuable learning experience for students that can benefit them in the future.
“They're young,” Pruitt said. “They're learning. The students have a big impact.”
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