Ryan Veuger did not start college expecting to become a firefighter.
After earning a bachelor's degree in marketing, Veuger began pursuing a career in that field. It was around that same time, conversations with a mentor who had spent time in the fire service led him to begin considering a different career path.
"It wasn’t the conversation that stuck with me but the enthusiasm that my mentor spoke with and his genuine happiness when talking about the job," Veuger said.
That enthusiasm stayed with Veuger as he began his own career and realized a future behind a desk was not what he wanted.
"While working professionally, I realized that even my dream marketing role would still be about 75% desk work and that’s not something I could see myself doing for decades to come," he said. "That realization coupled with consistent direction from my mentor lead me to the fire service as my ultimate goal."
A brief experience as a wildland firefighter followed, then training through College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fire Service Technology program.
Veuger chose CWI after a friend recommended the program. Knowing how competitive fire department hiring can be, he saw the academy as an opportunity to gain experience and prepare for the hiring and training process ahead.
"The biggest challenge was learning about so many new topics that I had no prior knowledge about," he said.
Veuger responded by studying and practicing outside of class while leaning on classmates and instructors for support.
"The class was very supportive of each other, and all the instructors in the program were willing to lend their knowledge and help, even outside of designated class time," Veuger said.
Throughout the Fire Service Technology program, recruits take part in hands-on exercises and drills designed to build their endurance and develop the skills needed to respond to fires and other emergencies.
During one of those exercises, a single-company fire attack drill using a car fire burn prop, Veuger operated a hose line, used forcible entry tools, and worked with a circular saw while wearing his breathing apparatus. As his engine company extinguished the fire and water splashed across his face piece, Veuger knew firefighting was the career he wanted to pursue.
"I remember the exact moment I knew that I’m supposed to be a firefighter and that I was on the correct path," Veuger said. "It was my most memorable moment from the CWI fire program."
Those hands-on experiences also helped prepare Veuger for what came after CWI. He gained foundational experience throwing ladders, forcing doors, using chainsaws and operating hose lines. Just as important was the opportunity to learn from instructors who work in the fire service as firefighters, engineers and captains.
"It gave me much more insight into the fire service and how to properly address and interact with fire personnel, which was all very helpful during the hiring process after CWI," Veuger said.
Veuger graduated from the program in December 2025 as a member of Class 7. He was also supported through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which helped reduce the cost of his firefighter training.
Through Metallica Scholars Initiative All Within My Hands Foundation, CWI has received funding to help Fire Service Technology students access critical equipment and training opportunities while reducing financial barriers to entering the profession.
CWI Director of Fire Service Programs, Darrin Raskopf, also nominated Veuger to receive a Wolverine x Metallica Scholars gear pack. Wolverine partners with All Within My Hands to recognize standout Metallica Scholars across the country as they begin their careers.
For Veuger, that career is now underway with Meridian Fire Department. He joins several of his Class 7 classmates who have also put their training to work, with a majority of the class securing full-time positions with fire departments in Idaho or neighboring states.
"I truly believe I would not have been hired by Meridian Fire without my time at CWI first," Veuger said. "It means the world to me to be given this opportunity. I’m beyond grateful that Meridian Fire has given me a chance to work for their organization. It’s been a great experience so far but definitely challenging in the best way!"
As he continues through Meridian’s academy and probation, Veuger is already looking ahead to future training opportunities and a career of continued growth.
"When I think of the type of firefighter I want to be, it really comes down to a few things," Veuger said. "I want to be a firefighter that is exceptional at the job, and someone who has a deep passion for the job."
It is a passion Veuger first recognized in his mentor and one he now hopes to carry into his own career.
"If you're serious about the fire service, go to CWI for their fire program," Veuger said.
Students interested in careers that protect, serve and support others can learn more through CWI's Public Safety pathway.
