JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of local students pledging to become the next generation of Jacksonville firefighters during a special ceremony was held at City Hall on Wednesday.
Mayor Donna Deegan, joined by representatives from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, awarded JFRD’s “Fire Chief Scholarship” to nine student-athletes.
“I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you,” Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Chief Keith Powers said. “And now is the time to don, put on your JFRD hats.”
The students signed “letters of intent” to seal the deal.
“I see firefighters come in and out of the neighborhood, they do good for others, and the happiness and smiles they bring to others’ faces,” Dacari Wilson, a scholarship recipient, said. “That’s somebody I want to be.”
The Fire Chief Scholarship is privately funded and pays for students’ tuition for EMT school and helps them receive the mentoring and training they need to succeed.
“We don’t have any firefighters in our family, so I figured me being the first firefighter will bring better opportunities to my brothers and my little cousin,” Makia Thomas, a scholarship recipient, said.
One scholarship recipient really stood out for his inspiring story.
Amare Jackson was born in Ethiopia and orphaned as a toddler. He was later adopted at age 6 and grew up in Jacksonville.
“Everyone helped me,” Jackson said. “I had to learn English, I had to learn the culture. Schooling, everyone was really nice about it. Everyone was perfect... I want to be out there helping the community because they helped me when I was younger, so I want to give back.”
These scholarships shine a light on our future first responders, ensuring the safety of Jacksonville residents is in good hands.