Noah Bridges has dreamed of being a firefighter – specifically a fire chief – since he was a little boy. Thanks to the opportunities offered by the fire technology program at Singley Academy and Irving ISD, his wishes are on the fast track to becoming his reality.

“I just really love the concept of showing up on the worst day of someone’s life – their house is on fire, they’ve been in a car accident – to make it better,” says Bridges, a senior. “That just really resonates with me, and the experiences in this program here at Singley have prepared me for that.”

From learning firefighting technology terminology, participating in weekly workouts and dressing in uniform every Wednesday to learning the ins and outs of a district-owned fire engine and conducting live fire drills, Bridges has appreciated every opportunity made available to him and his classmates.

“I wasn’t all that interested in all of this in the beginning, but I slowly learned that I really like the sharp look of the uniform – the combat boots, the black pants,” he says. “The workouts I warmed up to because they helped me gain confidence by making me stronger and teaching me my limits and how to push past them.”

Now working out is a part of his daily regimen and something he willingly does on his own time. He also enjoys watching movies, drawing (pencil and digital), and he participates in his school’s theatre productions.

“Noah Bridges is a stand out senior fire student,” says Singley fire technology instructor Frederick Crump. “He is always the first one to help, and he has persevered through having asthma and now excels in the grueling physical tasks that are required.”

Bridges hopes to earn his fire certification by the time he completes the high school program. He has already earned a CPR certification through the district as a sophomore.

“I didn’t know I’d get CPR-certified in high school,” he says. “It’s pretty cool.”

After high school, Bridges plans to attend the fire academy at Dallas College through the Dallas County Promise. Through this initiative, students, just like Bridges, are provided up to three years of college tuition totaling $75,000 or more.

“While I’m doing that, I’m going to look for jobs that I can take at fire stations to gain experience as I’m going to school,” he says. “Once I finish college and I’m working full-time at whatever station I’m at, I’m going to work toward becoming a chief.”

Spots are available in the fire technology program. Incoming freshmen and sophomores can apply today at IrvingISD.net/Apply

For more information about Dallas County Promise, visit IrvingISD.net/DCP.