Jason Shell ‘21 always knew he wanted to become a firefighter. When the Sandwich resident began his college search, he was immediately impressed with the opportunity available at Anna Maria College. The reputation of the challenging Fire Science program combined with becoming a Baseball recruit allowed Jason to grow as a student and an athlete. In 2021, Jason graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Fire Science and a minor in Emergency Management. After graduation, Jason decided to return to Anna Maria to continue his education in the Master’s in Public Administration program.
“I was impressed by the fact that all the professors were former chiefs with real-world experience that they were eager to share with us. I also had a passion for playing college baseball, and after meeting Coach Briand, I knew this was the perfect fit for both academics and athletics,” Jason said, “I decided to return for my MPA to deepen my knowledge. I’ve always been told to never stop learning, especially in this field, where continuous growth is essential.”
Jason credits his Anna Maria professors for teaching him the essentials of firefighting and providing support and networking connections outside the classroom.
“What I appreciated most about the Fire Science program was the genuine care and support from the professors. They were incredibly dedicated to our success, taking the time to build relationships with every student. Even after graduation, they’re always willing to help and offer guidance,” Jason said about his experience as a Fire Science graduate.
Jason’s Anna Maria education and experience helped him secure a job with the Sandwich Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT. He is also starting Fire Academy in December. The combination of having a solid foundation of knowledge along with the real-world preparation allowed Jason to feel confident when it came time to apply for jobs.
“Many of the professors were former fire chiefs, so they knew exactly what the departments were looking for. They didn’t just teach us about fire behavior, investigation, and prevention—they also shared insights on how to stand out as a recruit, making us more competitive candidates.”
Jason is proud to have a job where he can make a positive impact on someone’s life every day. While continuing his MPA, Jason has some insight for other Anna Maria students looking to enter the Fire Science field.
“My advice would be to take full advantage of everything Anna Maria’s Fire Science program offers. They provide EMT classes, and their relationship with Paxton Fire allows students to gain real-world experience, putting classroom knowledge into practice. Any real-world experience you can get helps you stand out when you’re ready to go for a fire job.”
