Wyatt Brumley always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. His dedication to helping his community began long before his time at GateWay. He ran his own successful tree-trimming business in Boulder City, Nevada, balancing the duties of entrepreneurship with his passion for community service. As an avid volunteer, he knew he wanted to make a career out of his desire to help others.
Through the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-Mec), Brumely was given an opportunity to pursue his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate while in high school. He shares, “I heard several great reviews from friends who have completed their certifications from GateWay and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Reflecting on his college experience, Brumely emphasizes the professionalism and dedication of GateWay faculty and staff. He treated his academics with the same level of commitment as his business, fostering professional relationships with peers and teachers alike. One teacher, Leia Bismuth, stood out for her unwavering support and dedication to her students' success. Her personalized approach and willingness to go the extra mile, such as creating color-coded study materials, left a lasting impression on him.
Brumley will earn multiple certifications from GateWay this spring, including American Heart Association CPR/AED, FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS), and National Registry EMT certification (NREMT).
In his free time, Brumley volunteers with the Trooper Care Network, which provides first aid and services to the community’s most vulnerable populations. Using his calm, purposeful, focused, and professional demeanor, Brumley can tailor into a persona that is at ease and approachable from the perspective of those the organization cares for.
His work ethic and character, both inside and outside the classroom, earned him the Chancellor’s Civic Leadership Medallion. This honor, a first for any student from the clock hour programs, acknowledges students who have an unwavering commitment to civic leadership on their campus and in the community. With a contribution of over 100 hours to civic engagement and leadership, coupled with an endorsement of West Mec's Governing Board, Brumley is paving the way and inspiring future student leaders to follow in his footsteps.
“Wyatt exemplifies giving his life to serve others, which is the true nature of an EMT or any member of public service,” shared program manager, Jenn Kline. “His dedication and selflessness inspire us all to strive for a higher purpose in our own lives.”
For Brumley, the decision to pursue the EMT program was more than a means to a career. It was about gaining the skills to make a real difference in people's lives. “I have the skills now to impact lives in a way only a few get to experience. I have a passion for helping people and this field allows me to do that every day,” explains Brumley.
At GateWay, Brumley found the training he needed to become a firefighter–but he also found a supportive community and dedicated instructors who inspired him to carry those values forward.
As graduation approaches, Brumley is ready to use the skills he’s learned at GateWay as a firefighter, driven by a strong commitment to serving others with humility.