Future Firefighters, a dedicated nonprofit organization, is proud to announce our summer 2025 allocation of 7 scholarships designed to support individuals pursuing firefighter training. These scholarships aim to empower the next generation of first responders by covering essential educational and training costs.
The scholarships are designated for firefighter training at local schools of the recipients’ choice. Future Firefighters ensures a direct and seamless process by paying the scholarship funds directly to the institutions the awardees will attend. This direct payment system covers a comprehensive range of training, including:
- Fire Academy Training
- Paramedic Training
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT: where applicable)
- Fire Science required courses at accredited Fire Academies
“We are honored to provide these scholarships and help aspiring firefighters achieve their dreams,” said Roland Dykes, Founder of Future Firefighters. “Our mission has always been to support those who are committed to serving their communities, and these scholarships are a testament to that commitment.”
Belen Rivera, a member of the Board of Directors, added, “Investing in the education and training of future firefighters is investing in the safety and well-being of our communities. We believe these scholarships will make a significant impact on the lives of the recipients and the communities they will serve.”
Awardees listed alphabetically.
CAMERON BURNS
School: Butler Tech, OH
Quote: Working as a paramedic in a high volume suburban firehouse has given me a front row seat to the unique challenges and rewards of the fire service. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my desire to serve the community goes beyond medical care. I want to be involved in every aspect of emergency response, including fire suppression, rescue operations, and public service.
TROY HOLT
School: Mount San Antonio College, CA
Quote: I would love the career of a firefighter due to its community duties, skills in safety, fire prevention, and rescue. I also am intrigued by the family aspect of the career. The career speaks to me because it’s not just that the community relies on you, fellow crew members rely on you also.
SHERI KINDER
School: Davis Technical College, UT
Quote: I am finishing my associate degree at SLCC where I am studying Human and Family studies, where I plan to get my master’s in psychology moving forward. I have the desire to be a mental health clinician, but my main goal is to work with first responders. I would like to integrate these fields in my career. I am currently an EMT through the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) as well as the state of Utah where I currently work part time with Utah Hogle Zoo as an EMT.
BIANCA LOPEZ
School: South Western Community College, CA
Quote: In the words of Nelson Mandela, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” These words speak directly to the firefighting profession, which, in many ways, feels like the perfect next step for me—a natural extension of the values I was raised with. For me, becoming a firefighter represents a connection between past, present, and future—a full-circle journey of service.
JUAN MARTINEZ
School: Mount San Antonio College, CA
Quote: From a young age, I have always admired the courage it takes to be a firefighter. Being a firefighter means always putting yourself second, no matter the circumstances you are put in. People count on firefighters to ensure their safety and well-being. My senior year of high school, I joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department Explorers, and my time at Station 187 gave me the certainty that this is where I belonged
CRYSTAL RANDALL
School: Umpqua Community College, OR
Quote: For the past two years, I have had the privilege of being part of the Riddle Fire Department through their cadet program. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has solidified my desire to pursue a full-time career as a firefighter and paramedic. Beyond the technical skills I’ve gained, one of the most impactful aspects of this journey has been the sense of family and camaraderie within the department.
RYAN YHAMEL
School: Mt. San Antonio College, CA.
Quote: I have always wanted to be a firefighter because I was born on September 11, 2001. Growing up, I often felt like my birthday was overshadowed by the tragic events of that day, making it difficult to celebrate while our nation remembered a significant loss. I want to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who serve our communities, and I am eager to be part of something bigger than myself.
Future Firefighters is committed to fostering a strong and skilled firefighting force. These scholarships support a vital step in the ongoing efforts of dedicated individuals along their journey to becoming courageous and effective firefighters.