Cochise Newsroom

Meet alumnus and Fire Captain Gerardo “Gerry” Romo.

 

Gerardo Romo, known as Gerry, is a fire captain and paramedic with the Douglas Fire Department. His path began after graduating from high school in Mexico and moving to the United States, where he earned his GED and enrolled in English as a Second Language courses at Cochise College in 2002.

 

Romo said he chose Cochise College because he knew the program relied on professional firefighters as instructors. He had previously taken EMT 174 and saw firsthand how instructors with real emergency experience made classes clearer and more practical.

 

“That experience made the class easier for us. They understood the information and helped us understand it too,” he said.

 

He later enrolled in Firefighter I and II, again drawn by the college’s experienced instructors. “That’s when I knew this was the college I wanted to attend,” Romo said.

 

Cochise College played a key role in building his skills and confidence. “They (the instructors) gave me the knowledge and skills to pass the three practicals and three exams Douglas Fire requires: the reading test, the practical and the oral board,” Romo said.

 

The program also opened doors to other branches in the fire service, including wildland, hazardous materials technician, rope rescue, fire inspection and fire investigation.

 

Romo went on to earn his associate degree at Cochise College and later completed a bachelor’s degree through Northern Arizona University. Those steps helped him advance to captain.

 

Small classes and personal attention made a major difference. “Instructors take the time to make sure we understand the information. We go through drills and practicals that prepare us for the state exam,” he said. “The one-to-one support motivates you, gives you knowledge and builds your confidence.”

 

Affordability and flexible scheduling were also essential. While working full time as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at the Douglas hospital and as an EMT with Arizona Ambulance, Romo appreciated Cochise College’s Saturday schedule for Firefighter I and II.

 

“I could plan my whole year. Saturdays were dedicated from eight to five, and I didn’t have to worry about other classes,” he said. “It let me work, study and still have time with family.”

 

Romo encourages students to take the first step and pursue the program.

 

“It’s a great experience. It’s a job that helps communities,” he said. “Firefighter I and II will help you reach your goals, no matter what branch you want to pursue.”

 

He said the fire service teaches lifelong values, including integrity, accountability, excellence and humility, which Douglas Fire emphasizes. “The mission is always the same: save lives and protect property,” he said.

 

His advice for current and future students is simple. “Don’t stop at Firefighter I and II. Get your associate degree. Keep going. A bachelor’s degree opens even more doors,” Romo said. “Go for it. It’s a great career, and you’ll meet so many people along the way.”