When student-athlete and volunteer firefighter Dan Kenny ’23 looks back at his childhood one thing vividly stands out to him, his enduring dream of becoming a firefighter. So, it’s no surprise that at just 16 years old, when an opportunity to join a volunteer firefighter program near his hometown presented itself, Kenny jumped at the chance. “I grew up with this deep appreciation and admiration for what firefighters do,” says the Fire Science major from Ramapo, New York. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a firefighter. My earliest memory was attending a firemen’s parade with my grandparents. I remember just being in awe and feeling inspired by the heroism of the firefighters. It was then and there I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.” Today, Kenny continues to volunteer at the Tallman Fire Department in Tallman, New York while also being a leader both in the classroom and on the court as a student-athlete at John Jay. We sat down with Kenny to learn more about his journey at the College, how he balances coursework, basketball, and firefighting, and what his plans are for the future.
Learning at John Jay
With his goal of becoming a firefighter in mind, Kenny knew that he wanted to go to a college that would better prepare him for his dream career. He chose John Jay. “Learning about the College’s history in public service and the Fire Science program was one of the big factors that really drew me to John Jay. I didn’t know studying fire science was even a possibility, so when I learned John Jay offered the program and that it was taught by experts who worked in the field, I was completely for it,” says Kenny, who maintains a 3.85 GPA. The fire science courses he’s taking have provided Kenny with the chance to learn more about fire safety and protection, advancements in equipment, risk management, and how a building’s construction can impact how a fire spreads. “I’m learning so much in the classroom and it’s because my professors really care about the fire science field. They have a passion for it and it’s clear that their goal is for students to understand the work thoroughly.” What’s also apparent to Kenny is how his John Jay education gives him a leg up in the field. “I’m able to take what I learn in the classroom back with me to the fire station and I feel like it really gives me an advantage when fighting a fire,” says Kenny. “I’m able to recognize certain factors when a fire arises and feel better prepared and more confident in my abilities as a firefighter. That’s really a testament to what I’m learning in the classroom at John Jay. It’s all knowledge I’m able to apply in the field.”
Being an Athlete
Beyond the classroom, Kenny’s also a star on the court, playing as a forward for John Jay’s men’s basketball team. “Being part of this team has been such a great experience because this team feels like a family. When I can’t make it to the game because I’m helping put out a fire, they all check in to make sure I’m safe. And when it comes to game time, it’s not about who can individually score the most points or get the most rebounds, but how we can perform our best as a team.” It’s that type of encouragement—from the entire Athletics department, especially the basketball coaching staff and his teammates—that inspires Kenny to perform at such a high level on the court, where this season he’s one of the highest scorers on the team earning a total of 171 points so far. “I’m really lucky because I have a great team that is so supportive and coaches that really have their students’ back,” says Kenny. “Coach Ryan Hyland really wants to see each of his players not only become better athletes, but he wants to also see us succeed academically and to become better people. He wants us to leave a positive mark on the world, whether it’s through charity work or a simple act of kindness. He always encourages us to strive for excellence and to be better than we were the day before. As a student-athlete, that makes you want to give it your all, on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”
Volunteering as a Firefighter
That drive for excellence and commitment to teamwork is a way of life Kenny also sees at the Tallman Fire Department where he volunteers almost weekly. “Like the basketball team, being a firefighter means you’re part of a brotherhood. We all have each other’s back, we all want to help each other improve, and we all want to keep each other safe,” says Kenny. “There’s a real level of trust and connection among the firefighters I work with. Everyone is there for each other, and when someone needs something, everyone swoops in to help.” Volunteering for nearly five years now, the rush, love, and excitement of putting out a fire is still there for Kenny. “When I get the call, even if it’s during dinner, I drop everything to go help. I feel really lucky that I get to be a firefighter and serve the public. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m helping the community.”
While having to juggle classes, sports, and work as a firefighter would be daunting for most adults, Kenny balances all three naturally. “I’ve always been involved in a lot of things at once. Early on in life I learned that if you manage your time right, if you stay organized, stay ready, and keep pushing forward, you can accomplish almost anything,” says Kenny, looking to the future. “My ultimate goal is to become a firefighter with the FDNY [Fire Department of New York]. I know that with my education at John Jay, both on and off the court, that I’ll be able to make that dream come true.”
