Charlotte Fire Recruits Reflect on the Job That Called Them
Published on July 09, 2025
They didn’t come here to blend in. They came to push limits, to serve their communities, and to step up when others step back. These six recruits represent what it means to build a stronger Charlotte Fire, one future firefighter at a time.
Applications are open. Click the link below to apply today.
Inside the classrooms, bays and training yards of the Charlotte Fire Academy, six recruits from different backgrounds are learning to meet the same high standard: to serve others with courage, discipline, and heart.
For Leah Cardenas, Braden Darge, Julian Means, Alex Yang, Nick Holland and Omar Arellano, the path to Charlotte Fire has been personal and powerful. Whether inspired by family legacies, military service, or unforgettable moments with first responders, each recruit shares a sense of purpose that now guides them through one of the most challenging and rewarding careers.
As Charlotte Fire opens applications for the next generation of firefighters, these six recruits offer a glimpse into why the job matters and what it takes to wear the badge.
Leah Cardenas: From Clover Volunteer to Charlotte Fire Recruit
Leah Cardenas brings intensity and drive to every day of training. She’s proving that heart, grit, and confidence belong in the gear. You belong here too. Apply now.
Growing up in Clover, South Carolina, Leah Cardenas didn’t plan on becoming a firefighter. But a shift in direction and a visit to her hometown station changed everything.
“I originally went to school for physical therapy,” she said. “But I knew it wasn’t the right fit. When I was 19, I walked into the fire department and signed up to volunteer. The rest became history.”
Cardenas was drawn to the physical and mental challenge of the work. But more than that, she found a sense of belonging.
“I wanted something that pushed me, and this was the perfect avenue,” she said. “Everyone here pushes each other, and no one’s left behind.”
Her decision to join Charlotte Fire came after hearing firsthand from people in the department.
“Everyone I met said they loved the job,” she said. “They said once you’re here, you don’t want to leave. I wanted to be part of that.”
Braden Darge: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
He’s not just wearing the nameplate. He’s carrying the legacy. Braden Darge grew up around Charlotte Fire, and now, he’s earning his own place in it. Start your journey. Applications are open now.
For Braden Darge, firefighting runs in the family.
“My dad is a firefighter,” Darge said. “Growing up, I got to hang out at the station and watch how the team operated. When the bell hit, they shifted into a new gear. Watching them respond with such professionalism, it stuck with me.”
As a child, Darge was included in station life, and that early exposure built a lifelong respect for the job.
“I saw how hard my dad worked, always studying, preparing for the next step,” he said. “I wanted to challenge myself the same way.”
Joining Charlotte Fire felt natural. His family has deep roots in the department, and the reputation for high standards only solidified his decision.
“This department has always expected a lot,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”
Julian Means: From Active Duty to Public Service at Home
Determined. Focused. Unshakable. Julian Means brings strength from his military service to every step of recruit school. Join the mission. Apply now to become a Charlotte firefighter.
After eight years in the military, Julian Means knew he wasn’t finished serving. But with a young family, he needed to find a new way to stay grounded while still making an impact.
“I realized I had spent a lot of time away from home,” Means said. “I wanted a career that still had that family-oriented feeling and a sense of purpose, but let me be present with my kids.”
Becoming a firefighter gave him exactly that.
“I wanted to be there for people during emergencies, on what might be the worst day of their life,” he said. “That’s when it matters most.”
Means said Charlotte quickly felt like the right fit. He’d always wanted to live in a big city, and when he visited Charlotte, he felt a connection to the place and the department.
“Charlotte Fire gave me the chance to serve and grow here,” he said. “Recruit school has been tough, but it’s building me into a better person.”
Alex Yang: Honoring His Grandfather’s Legacy Through Service
His discipline came from years in uniform. His calm under pressure speaks for itself. Charlotte Fire Recruit Alex Yang is ready for what’s next. Applications are open. Step up and apply today.
For Alex Yang, the commitment to serve began with a lesson from his grandfather.
“He came to America as a poor immigrant and always told us to help others, no matter what,” Yang said. “Even if you have nothing to give, you can still be there for someone.”
After serving in the military, Yang wanted to keep that spirit alive, but closer to home. Deployments had taken a toll, and family became his priority.
“I wanted to continue serving, but in a way that let me be present,” he said. “Being a firefighter felt like the right balance.”
Charlotte Fire offered him a chance to live near his wife’s family and work in a department with a strong reputation.
“I had wanted to be a firefighter growing up,” Yang said. “Charlotte’s a big city, and there’s so much opportunity to help.”
Recruit school has challenged him physically and mentally, but he says the instructors have pushed him to grow in all the right ways.
Nick Holland: A Team Player with a Passion for Impact
He thrives in high-pressure moments. Nick Holland chose Charlotte Fire because excellence isn’t optional here—it’s expected. Make it your standard. Apply today.
Teamwork brought Nick Holland to the fire service.
“I wanted something physically challenging, rewarding, and team-oriented,” he said. “That’s what I grew up with playing sports, and the fire service is all about that.”
Originally from South Florida, Holland and his wife were looking to move north while still enjoying a good climate. Charlotte’s reputation caught his attention right away.
“Even in training back in Florida, people talked about Charlotte,” he said. “They’re known for being aggressive, professional, and well-trained. That stood out to me.”
For Holland, it’s the direct impact of the job that keeps him focused.
“You’re helping people in real time,” he said. “It’s mentally, physically, and educationally challenging, but incredibly rewarding.”
Omar Arellano: Inspired by the Crew That Showed Up
The day that fire truck pulled up changed his life. Now Omar Arellano is training to be the one who shows up. Be there when it matters. Applications are open.
Two years ago, Omar Arellano was at his parents’ home when the carbon monoxide alarm went off. They didn’t think much of it until help arrived.
“Within a minute or so, the Charlotte Fire Department showed up,” he said. “We told them everything was fine, probably just low batteries, but they came ready to help. That really stuck with me.”
That moment led him to research the department, apply, and begin a new career.
“To see them show up like that, without hesitation, that’s what inspired me,” he said.
Since joining recruit school, Arellano said the experience has exceeded expectations.
“We work out, learn new subjects, push ourselves every day,” he said. “You’ve got great instructors who want to make you better. It’s been awesome.”
Now Hiring: Applications Open to Become a Charlotte Firefighter
Charlotte Fire is currently accepting applications for its next class of firefighter recruits. The department is seeking individuals who are committed to service, ready for physical and mental challenges, and eager to make a difference.
No prior firefighting experience is required. Recruits receive paid training, full benefits, and the opportunity to join one of the most respected fire departments in the country.
Click the link below to apply today and take the first step toward becoming a Charlotte firefighter.
FIREFIGHTER APPLICATION