{"id":20780,"date":"2022-05-05T09:42:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-05T13:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/?p=20780"},"modified":"2022-10-26T09:45:50","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T13:45:50","slug":"firefighter-advances-his-career-in-fire-emergency-services-via-fes-program-and-dcp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/firefighter-advances-his-career-in-fire-emergency-services-via-fes-program-and-dcp\/","title":{"rendered":"Firefighter Advances His Career in Fire & Emergency Services via FES Program and DCP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(This article originally appeared at <\/strong>ufonline.ufl.edu<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While working in fire and emergency services for several years, 38-year-old Brian Canaday decided to pursue a four-year degree to further his education and advance his career. Growing up with love and admiration for the Florida Gators, he fulfilled his dream of becoming one himself via UF Online\u2014the #1 online program for his degree<\/a>. Set to graduate this May, Brian recently accepted the position of Assistant Fire Chief<\/a> at the City of Bradenton, Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER AND FLORIDA GATOR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brian discovered his passion for fire and emergency services when he was a young adult exploring various career paths. \u201cI had a couple of friends whose fathers were firefighters in different departments and one inspired me and persuaded me to go to a fire academy,\u201d Brian said. \u201cAfter fire academy, I got hired really quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he first started his degree journey at UF Online in January of 2019, Brian was already a 7-year Lieutenant in fire services. He decided to pursue his Fire & Emergency Services degree<\/a> to advance his career and set an example for his son. \u201cWhen my son was born, it inspired me to go back to school,\u201d Brian said. \u201cI always wanted my four-year degree. I didn\u2019t want my son to have an excuse like \u2018dad doesn\u2019t have it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While researching and comparing different fire and emergency programs, Brian\u2019s dream of becoming a Florida Gator was reignited. \u201cI grew up a Gator fan and I always wanted to attend UF,\u201d Brian said. \u201cThen I found out it\u2019s the #1 school for the program I\u2019m attending, so I thought that was just another benefit.\u201d With graduation now in sight, Brian emphasized he has \u201cno regrets\u201d regarding his decision to enter the fire and emergency services field and pursue his degree at the University of Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI HAVE A SENSE OF PRIDE AND JOY THAT NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY FROM ME,\u201d BRIAN DESCRIBED HOW IT FELT TO ATTEND UF ONLINE. \u201cI\u2019M GETTING CHILLS RIGHT NOW JUST TALKING ABOUT IT. I GREW UP LOVING THE GATORS AND IT MAKES ME PROUD TO BE ONE.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

STUDYING WHILE PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a parent and firefighter, Brian sought a degree program that offered the flexibility needed to juggle multiple responsibilities. \u201cI like how you can control it yourself and it\u2019s self-paced,\u201d Brian described the benefits of online learning. Soon after beginning his studies at UF, his mentors encouraged him to take a competitive test that promoted him to Captain in October of 2019. \u201cI was really busy with my personal life. With a family, I had a lot going on and I wasn\u2019t planning on testing.\u201d However, his educational and career goals aligned when he received several promotions that came with increased responsibility and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always considered myself a natural leader,\u201d Brian said. \u201cWhile taking the Leadership and Ethics course here at UF, I learned that some people do have that natural instinct to be a leader, but to be a good leader it actually takes a lot of work.\u201d While continuing his studies at UF, Brian became a Battalion Chief in October 2020, where he oversaw the crew and personnel that protected the community. \u201cWhat keeps me motivated is doing what\u2019s best for them and making sure they go home safe every night to their families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTHE FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROFESSION IS A PROFESSION WHERE YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING,\u201d BRIAN SAID. \u201cYOU HAVE TO CONTINUALLY EVOLVE AND GROW IN YOUR FIELD. IT\u2019S IMPORTANT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO CONTINUE EDUCATION.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

ADVANCING HIS CAREER WITH A FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES DEGREE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Combining his years of service experience and his higher education, Brian was recently promoted to Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Bradenton. \u201cI think everything I\u2019ve done with this degree program helped me get to that Assistant Chief position,\u201d Brian said. \u201cIt\u2019s very new but it\u2019s exciting. I\u2019m enjoying it.\u201d Brian also accredits UF Online\u2019s supportive faculty and staff for helping him enhance his career opportunities. \u201cAll the instructors and professors have been great,\u201d Brian said. \u201cKeith Collins<\/a> as an advisor has been awesome. He\u2019s always available and responsive to help guide me on the right track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keith Collins was eager to assist Brian throughout his academic journey and took pride in his success. \u201c[Brian] has excelled during his time here in all areas of his life; receiving 3 promotions, balancing his family time, and maintaining an excellent GPA in our rigorous curriculum,\u201d Keith said. \u201cOur program is designed for Career Advancement and Brian\u2019s story is a testament to the success that awaits all future and current Fire & Emergency Services Gators!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI THINK THE FIRE SERVICE IS MOVING IN A DIRECTION WHERE DEGREES WILL BE REQUIRED EVENTUALLY, ESPECIALLY FOR OFFICER POSITIONS,\u201d BRIAN SAID. \u201cUF IS THE #1 PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY FOR THIS DEGREE PROGRAM AND IT\u2019LL SET THEM UP TO SUCCEED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With graduation just on the horizon, the University of Florida congratulates Brian on his upcoming graduation and recently accepting the position of Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Bradenton. The UF Online community celebrates his remarkable achievements in serving and protecting the community while furthering his education. We thank him for being a part of the Gator Nation and wish him success and happiness along his journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EARN A UF DEGREE IN FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The demand for skilled individuals in the emergency services industry is growing. With a UF degree in Fire & Emergency Services via UF Online<\/a>, you can earn the managerial skills you need to move up in your career. This program offers three areas of specialization: Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Management, or Emergency Management. With a specific focus in any of these areas, you can enhance your skills to better suit your desired career. Some potential career paths with an FES degree include fire department management, emergency management, private industry safety management, and federal government agencies focused on safety and emergency management. To learn more about the UF Online FES program, visit the degree page<\/a> or attend an upcoming virtual information session<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While working in fire and emergency services for several years, 38-year-old Brian Canaday decided to pursue a four-year degree to further his education and advance his career. Growing up with love and admiration for the Florida Gators, he fulfilled his dream of becoming one himself via UF Online\u2014the #1 online program for his degree. Set to graduate this May, Brian recently accepted the position of Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Bradenton, Florida.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":20782,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,10,24,26,44,48,54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumnus","category-bcn-news","category-home","category-home-page-sticky-post","category-news","category-people","category-rinker-news"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1-150x135.jpg",150,135,true],"medium":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false],"large":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/10\/Canady-300x135-1.jpg",300,135,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"joeym","author_link":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/author\/joeym\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"While working in fire and emergency services for several years, 38-year-old Brian Canaday decided to pursue a four-year degree to further his education and advance his career. Growing up with love and admiration for the Florida Gators, he fulfilled his dream of becoming one himself via UF Online\u2014the #1 online program for his degree. Set…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20780"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20780\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcp.ufl.edu\/rinker\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}