North Charlotte Today

CFD Recruit Mallory Gazerro found a fulfilling career path with Charlotte Fire.

By Kevin Campbell

For Mallory Gazerro, becoming a firefighter wasn’t just about finding a new career; it was about finding a calling. At 25, Gazerro has already navigated the twists and turns of a traditional career path, only to find fulfillment in a field that demands both physical endurance and emotional resilience. As the newly elected president of Charlotte Fire's Recruit Class 127, Gazerro’s journey is one of determination, community service, and profound personal sacrifice.

Gazerro’s path to firefighting began with the realization that her initial career choice was not the right fit. “I graduated from college with a degree in politics, economics, and history and became a paralegal right out of college in Charlotte. I hated it. It was not for me,” she said. The monotony of desk work, coupled with the isolation of a remote job, pushed her to seek something more engaging. “It was just the same thing every single day. I wanted some change.”

Her search for a more fulfilling career led her to the Pineville Fire Department as a volunteer. “A few months into my paralegal job, I started looking at volunteer fire departments. I got involved and just fell in love with it,” she recalled. Volunteering opened her eyes to the diverse skill set required in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). “I even got my EMT before joining a fire department.”

Gazerro’s decision to pursue firefighting full-time was influenced by a deep desire to serve her community in a meaningful way. “Someone described the firefighting job to me by asking, ‘Are you someone who wants to be active? Do you like change every day? Do you like to interact with your community face-to-face, especially with people who are having the worst day of their lives?’ If you do, firefighting might be for you,” she explained.

This personal connection to community service is deeply rooted in Gazerro’s faith. “I’m a Christian, and I know that I am willing, able, and ready to sacrifice my life for someone else. I’m totally willing to do that. It would be an honor,” she said.

Gazerro’s only tattoo—a string of flowers with a red stem transitioning to black—symbolizes her belief in the brevity of life on earth and the importance of using her time to serve others. “This tiny bit of time on earth if I can use it to serve other people make sacrifices do really hard things for the benefit of others I’m down.”

As class president of Recruit Class 127, Gazerro quickly established herself as a leader. “Selecting a president varies for every class. It’s a combination of classmates’ choice and approval by the captain of the recruit class. For me it happened really quickly just in first few days” she said Her husband member Class 123 provided insights into function recruit class able share give direction

Her leadership role involves keeping classmates informed organized sending little summaries end day here need bring tomorrow where need be what wear keep everyone same page Despite leadership position remains eager learn peers own squad leader even though president still someone look learn from

Gazerro praises expertise Charlotte Fire training staff highlighting recent change allows anyone expertise subject area teach regardless rank blown away expertise amazing inclusive approach ensures recruits benefit wide range experiences knowledge lot people passion being firefighter engineer much share still get learn from

Gazerro fellow recruits scheduled graduate November 2024 which watch live YouTube

Gazerro journey dissatisfied paralegal passionate firefighter recruit underscores importance finding true calling story testament power service sacrifice leadership

“Personally like bringing little bit calm chaos Firefighting involves organization critical thinking being calm under pressure connecting people quickly combines soft skills hard skills knowing how extricate someone car pull building eye-opening” said

In her role as recruit class president Gazerro exemplifies qualities compassion dedication commitment journey serves inspiration those seeking career not just job but calling