North Charlotte Today

Damon Yates recently shared his personal journey at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy open house, taking another step toward his aspiration of becoming a firefighter. His inspiration stems from a life-changing event in his childhood when firefighters rescued him and his mother from a house fire.

"I was three years old when firefighters saved me and my mother from a burning house," Yates recalled. "That crew gave me 32 more years with my mother, who passed away two years ago. I want to repay that act of bravery and do the same for others."

Yates's interest in firefighting was further influenced by watching his older brother enter the profession. "My brother became a firefighter 11 years after our fire. I watched his journey—how he connected with his team, earned his rookie nickname, and embraced the camaraderie. It felt like I was born to do this," Yates said.

Originally from Connecticut, Yates faced stiff competition while applying to fire departments, prompting him to strengthen his education and skills by working as a lifeguard and pursuing careers in accounting and real estate.

In 2020, during the pandemic, Yates relocated to Charlotte with his wife due to family connections and opportunities in the city. "I had family here and had attended Johnson C. Smith University for a couple of semesters, so I already knew Charlotte was a place of opportunity. My wife fell in love with the city, and it felt like the right move for us," he stated.

Yates has spent four years preparing for a career in firefighting, forging connections within The Point Church community in Belmont that bolstered his resolve. He attended an open house at Charlotte Fire where he observed crews demonstrating essential skills such as fire attack and rescue operations.

"Watching the crews in action was incredible. It showed me the level of dedication and teamwork required for this job, and I know I'm ready for it," he remarked.

When asked about choosing such a risky career path, Yates replied: "Someone did it for me. They gave me the gift of time with my mother, and now it's my turn to give back."

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson highlighted their recruitment efforts: "We're looking for people who are ready to dedicate themselves to serving our community, just as our crews do every day. Damon's story is a reminder of why we do what we do."

The department is accepting applications until Dec. 9 at CHARLOTTEFIRE.ORG.

As Yates looks forward to joining their ranks, he hopes to make both his daughter proud by becoming her hero.