Life-changing explosion sparks a new career in firefighting

Surviving a near-fatal accident marked the beginning of a new life for South Texas College graduate Jose Luis Jaimes, who, after many years working in refineries, made a drastic career change to pursue a future in the fire service.

Alongside 16 fellow graduates, the Weslaco native recently celebrated earning his basic firefighter certification at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

“When people call 911, they’re having the worst day of their life. They’re going through something horrible and impactful that they will never forget, and you will be the one answering that plea,” said guest speaker Fire Chief Roman Flores of the city of Alamo. “I have been here for more than 20 years, and you are just starting out, but to the person making the call, it doesn’t matter. All they care about is that you show up to help. Never lose that vision. Never lose that focus.”

This was the case for Jaimes about two years ago, while working at a refinery in Louisiana. An explosion forced him to reconsider his entire future.

“Thankfully, we all made it out alive, but it was a terrifying image—the feeling and the sight of some of my coworkers with their clothes melting off their bodies, the panic of making sure everyone was safe,” he shared. “But what I remember the most was that not a single representative from the company I worked for checked on us or how we were feeling. The firefighters who responded were the only ones who took care of us, explained what was happening and made us feel safe.”

After a few more minor incidents, the 27-year-old, who had worked in refineries, away from home, since graduating high school, decided to pursue a new career and enrolled at STC’s Fire Academy.

“I was aging much faster working those 12-hour shifts away from my loved ones. But the image of those firefighters stayed with me,” he added. “So, I decided to become a firefighter and change my life, it was the best decision I could have made. Nowhere in the nearly 10 years I spent working in refineries or at my other schools, where I earned my degree in Welding, did I ever find a brotherhood like the one I found at STC.”

Jaimes is part of STC’s Fire Academy cohort number 35, marked by important milestones such as being the first cohort to complete live fire training at the college’s newest, state-of-the-art two-story fire structure, and being one of the first recipients of laptop distributions, a result of a partnership between AT&T and the STC Foundation.

“It’s incredible how many resources we’ve been provided with, and it’s not just the material support,” he said. “Everyone at STC is constantly helping us improve, whether it’s through tutoring or volunteers from actual fire departments. We’re only here for one semester but the support is constant. You’re truly set up for success.”

After a demanding 16-week academic journey, Jaimes is now preparing to take his state certification exam and pursue a career with a city department.

Newly engaged, he’s filled with optimism about his future as a firefighter, eager to start a family and seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

“My fiancée has been incredibly supportive throughout this career change, especially while I’ve been in school. I wouldn’t be here without her,” he added. “I’m excited to build a future where our kids will be proud to have a firefighter as their dad. More than anything, I’m excited to be the person who can help others, just as I was helped and taken care of.”

For more information on STC’s Fire Science program and public safety training offered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.