05/28/2026
Moab Valley Fire would like to congratulate these three young men on graduating high school.
Moab Fire reignited our internship program this last year and these three were among the first to go through it. All three showed a true interest in the fire service that has since grown into a deep passion. Yahel Parra and Suki Burriola have since joined Moab Fire as volunteers with aspirations to become career firefighters. Jose Santana, will be joining us as a seasonal wildland firefighter on June 1st of this year and also hopes to have a career in the fire service.
Yahel Parra says,
“I was never interested in fire until the internship, now it's all I ever think about”
“I enjoyed the hand on parts rather than always sitting in a classroom”
“The instructors were patient and it felt like they really cared about my success”
Suki Burriola says,
“At first I was nervous about not being able to make it as a firefighter but the guidance and welcoming I got made me feel like I could really do this”
“It felt nice to be a part of a team and be able to be myself”
“I could tell that the instructors were invested in making sure I succeed”
Jose Santana says,
“If you ever feel lost in life, firefighting is where you should go, it teaches you mental strength and gives you a place to feel welcome”
“This program helped me in so many ways and honestly saved me in a way”
“The people you meet in this field are amazing, they will make you feel confident while also pushing you to your limits, in a good way.”
“I hope to pursue it for many many years”
Captain Traedyn Brewer says,
“I took over the internship program this last year not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into. Yahel was my first intern and about a week in we were training and he looked over at me and said "Thank you for this, this is the coolest thing I've ever done and this will be what I do for the rest of my life.” When Yahel said that, it stuck with me and showed me just how much impact this program could have on not only the fire service but the youth in our community.
In total I have had four interns so far and I am beyond proud to say that three of the four have joined Moab Fire in some capacity. These three have so much potential and I can't wait to watch them grow as young men and firefighters.
To Yahel, Suki and Jose, you three have impressed us in so many ways. Congratulations on this accomplishment and know you will always have us in your corner.
To parents of students, if you have a student above the age of 16 please encourage them to join this program and see what it's all about”
