For Joey Zumwalt, becoming a firefighter isn’t just a dream — it’s a family legacy. The Middleton, Idaho, native grew up watching his father serve as a truck captain with the Meridian Fire Department, and those early experiences laid the foundation for a career of his own in public safety.
“I saw firsthand how much my dad loved his job, and I wanted to understand why,” said Zumwalt. “After high school, I did a ride-along with his crew, and that experience confirmed it — this is what I want to do.”
Zumwalt, now an alumnus of the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, recently completed his Firefighter I certification and is currently participating in a Work Experience program with the Middleton, ID Fire Department — thanks in part to a scholarship from the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation, CWI was awarded a $75,000 grant to provide students with essential safety equipment and help offset the costs of internships and training.
“The Metallica Scholarship has been a huge help in allowing me to pursue my goals,” said Zumwalt. “As a college student working part-time, the cost of education and training can be challenging. This scholarship came at just the right time. It took a major financial burden off my shoulders and made it easier to focus fully on learning and gaining experience.”
That financial support helps students like Zumwalt access vital gear, including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBAs), used in training and live environments. “The grant from All Within My Hands has gone to funding the purchase of equipment called self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBAs), which the students use when they are assigned to a local department,” explained Darrin Raskopf, Director of the Fire Service Program at CWI. “They’re going to spend an average of a 24-hour shift every week for 52 weeks. It’s a lot of hours.”
“SBAs are one of the most important pieces of equipment that a firefighter has. That’s what allows us to go into the fires,” Raskopf added. “Each air pack is anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, which is a lot for students to pay for out of pocket. This grant has allowed us to purchase an additional cache of SBAs that students can use as they continue on-site training.”
Hands-on learning, community partnerships, and dedicated instructors make the Fire Service Technology program at CWI a highly sought-after path for students pursuing a career in public safety. “These funds will be used to acquire crucial equipment for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, preparing for careers as firefighters,” said Gordon Jones, President of the College of Western Idaho. “Our Fire Service Technology program is more than just a path to a career — it’s a call to protect and serve our community.”
Zumwalt agrees. He cites the program’s instructors and the supportive atmosphere as essential to his growth and confidence. “The program is designed to challenge you in a way that builds your skills and confidence,” he said. “What stands out most is how supportive the instructors and staff are — they genuinely want you to succeed.”
His biggest source of motivation, however, remains close to home. “My family has been there for me every step of the way,” Zumwalt said. “My dad has been especially helpful since he went through a similar program and internship when he was in college. His experience and guidance have made a big difference.”
That support, combined with CWI’s industry-aligned curriculum and internship opportunities, is what helped Zumwalt complete major milestones, including earning his EMT certification and completing the fire academy. “I feel like I’ve come a long way,” he said. “There are many more milestones ahead, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
“Students entering the Work Experience program at a fire station need total focus, and knowing they have the right equipment is a big part of that,” said Kelsey Backen, Division Chief of Training Operations. “This grant will help them have what they need to contribute to the department and have a stronger future in the profession of firefighting.”
Zumwalt now looks ahead to building his career in the fire service, with a commitment to keep learning and growing. His advice to others starting out? “Don’t give up. Stay focused, stay committed, and keep pushing forward — even when it gets tough. I made a promise to myself that no matter how long it takes, I’m going to keep trying until I get hired.”
When asked what he would say to the band behind the scholarship that helped fuel his success, Zumwalt kept it simple: “It’s awesome to see a band like Metallica giving back like this. Thank you for supporting future firefighters like me — it truly means a lot.”
Ready to become a firefighter? Get hands-on training and real-world experience with CWI’s Fire Service Technology program.
