Kevin Henderson ‘24 is a Fire Science major from Westford. A cancer survivor himself, Kevin founded the Anna Maria College Chapter of the American Cancer Society where the Chapter’s Relay for Life events have raised thousands of dollars for cancer research.
Why did you choose Anna Maria College?
At first, I was considering a college with a two-year degree, but then I realized that Anna Maria College offered my Fire Science major in a four-year degree. I started looking around and realized that Anna Maria was the only college specializing in Fire Science in the area. The program was also named the best in the Northeast. So, I chose Anna Maria College and I love my college experience and all my friends that I’ve met over the years.
What’s your program experience been like with Fire Science?
The fire science program here has great professors. I love both Chief Daugherty and Chief Bogart. They put their everything into the program. They have so much experience from being on the job in places like New Jersey where Chief Daugherty is from and Lynnfield where Chief Bogart worked. They bring their experience into the classroom, and they invite fire experts in to talk to us or we see real-life demonstrations. I enjoy the classroom dynamic and the discussions we have.
Was your dream to always be a firefighter?
Originally, I wanted to go into the military and then when I couldn’t enlist, I wanted to find another way that I could help others and serve. At the time I was a ski patroller and friends of mine that I met through ski patrol were also junior firefighters, so I started doing that. I was a Junior Fire in the town of Groton for three years and I became interested in Fire Science.
What are your favorite memories on campus?
My favorite memories are me meeting all my different friends and some wild shenanigans that happened throughout the dorm. Like Freshman year, I had some friends who were taking finals for the first time. In the middle of the night, they swiped into my room, started yelling, and they flipped on the lights. They got the entire Fire Science Freshman Class and made us study for the midterm. There were so many people in my room. But we were all studying for the midterm until 4:30 in the morning.
What are your plans after graduation?
Right now, my plan is just to get back to work and then find a fire department to work for within the next year. My main focus right now is to get adjusted to the adult world.
