Cardinal Student Spends Day Shadowing Fire Department

posted April 27, 2022

Cardinal High School student takes a selfie with a fire truck during a job shadowing opportunity.

Last month, Cardinal High School student Kaleb Figueroa got to take a peek into a day in the life of a firefighter.

Kaleb went on a 24-hour ride along with the Ottumwa Fire Department so he could get a better idea of what his future will look if he follows that career path.

"It’s always been a dream of mine and I want to make it come true," Kaleb said. "It made me want to become a firefighter even more."

The shadowing opportunity was set up by Ashley Hobbs, our G.O.A.L.S. counselor and student success specialist, and Rich Damm with the Ottumwa Fire Department. Kaleb had done an eight-hour shadow previously and when he expressed interest in doing more, Mrs. Hobbs was brought in to help coordinate and plan next career steps with Kaleb.

"I met with Kaleb after the shadow to discuss the experience and get him the information he needed on how to proceed pursuing this career path," Mrs. Hobbs said. "We talked about the program he needs at Indian Hills Community College and FAFSA."

Since then, Kaleb has met with Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) to discuss his application and becoming an EMT to pursue a job at the Ottumwa Fire Department.

We are extremely thankful to all of the firefighters who worked with Kaleb and took the time to invest in him.

Other students interested in similar job shadowing opportunities should reach out to Mrs. Hobbs at ashley.hobbs@cardinalcomet.com.