My name is Joshua Williams and I have been excited about higher education my whole life. I graduated high school half a year early. While all of my peers where in high school I completed my first certification needed to become a firefighter. After doing some ride alongs with the Colorado Springs Fire Department I decided joining the military would be a good stepping-stone towards my ultimate goal of being in the fire service.
I joined the Air Force in 2005, and shortly after I started my first college class. While in the Air Force I deployed twice to the Middle East. While in Iraq I was attached with an Army Infantry unit and worked completely outside the wire. It was a difficult deployment but taught me numerous unforgettable life lessons. During my tour in England I was chosen to be an instructor of the Battle Field Air Course. This course was designed to get base personal who were deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan combat ready. Our students were military members whose main specialty was not in security. This is when I found my passion for teaching.
After my four-year active duty contract was completed I returned to Colorado and started became a full-time student. I have since completed my Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology, my Bachelors Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Management, and a Mastes in Education and Humand Resources Studies - Adult Edcuation and Training Specialization. I have obtained many certifications related to the fire and emergency services career field. Currently I am a career Lieutenant with Frederick-FIrestone Fire Protection District.
I joined the Air Force in 2005, and shortly after I started my first college class. While in the Air Force I deployed twice to the Middle East. While in Iraq I was attached with an Army Infantry unit and worked completely outside the wire. It was a difficult deployment but taught me numerous unforgettable life lessons. During my tour in England I was chosen to be an instructor of the Battle Field Air Course. This course was designed to get base personal who were deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan combat ready. Our students were military members whose main specialty was not in security. This is when I found my passion for teaching.
After my four-year active duty contract was completed I returned to Colorado and started became a full-time student. I have since completed my Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology, my Bachelors Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Management, and a Mastes in Education and Humand Resources Studies - Adult Edcuation and Training Specialization. I have obtained many certifications related to the fire and emergency services career field. Currently I am a career Lieutenant with Frederick-FIrestone Fire Protection District.
At Colorado State University I obtained a Masters in Education and Human Resource Studies - Adult Education and Training Specialization. With my life experiences in the military and knowledge of the fire service I mentor firefighters on how to have a safe and successful fire service career. Later in my career I would enjoy being part of the training division within the fire service. This division focuses on providing the highest quality of education and training to all firefighters in order to better prepare them for any emergency they may have to respond to. Obtaining my degree in education provided me with the skills needed to plan and administer monthly fire and EMS trainings, quarterly drills, and other educational programs.
Even though I will always be a firefighter, I will not always be able to be work online. When the time comes for me to hang up my helmet and put my gear in my locker for the very last time, I will use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to continue giving back to the community. Once I retire I would like to work as an instructor in a fire science program. I would love to pass on my knowledge and passion of the fire service to aspiring and current firefighters.
There is an old saying that states, “A firefighters job is never complete”. This can be perceived numerous different ways. When I read this statement I like to look at it from an adult learners point of view. As firefighters we consistently train and prepare ourselves for multiple different emergency situations. We never stop learning. As technology advances, we will always be learning new fire techniques and medical practices. Learning and teaching as an adult excites me because I am able to use my life experiences to aid in learning and teaching strategies which in turn helps me be a better facilitator to my students. Teaching and training is a passion of mine. I will always strive to find the most efficient way to complete a task and I will always strive to master the craft.