From disciplined days in the firehouse to the hustle and bustle as they suit up for emergencies, The Vanderlinden crew has signed up for an intense but rewarding occupation as local firefighters. Life looks quite different from their teenage days at Fresno Christian schools. As alumni Kayla Vanderlinden, ’20, and her two brothers Tyler Vanderlinden, ‘17, and Zachary (Zach) Vanderlinden,’23, have all found their calling in public safety. All three serve for North Central Fire in Fresno, California after an excruciating yet gratifying completion of EMT school, a six-month Fire Academy at FCC, and internships.
The Vanderlindens decided to enter into a firefighting career simultaneously. Tyler, the oldest brother, was the first to enroll in the fire academy. Kayla and Zach joined soon after. The trio wanted the same career, and all went for it together. While completing their training, the Vanderlindens grew closer and pushed each other along the way, which led them to Fire Stations 56 and 59.
“I have always been super close with both my brother and sister,” Zach Vanderlinden said. “They moved out of the house not too long ago, so working with them at the station is almost the same. I feel like working with them in a professional environment has grown us closer because we have something huge to relate to.”
Training for the fire department is a difficult task. With long hours and extreme physical training, the days can get strenuous. Completing the challenging 22-week-long course is rigorous, but perseverance is key. While participating in the course, crew members make many new relationships and bonds that can last a lifetime.
“Living with the guys creates a sense of brotherhood, which is the culture that has been in the fire service for a long time,’’ said Tyler. “We all push each other to be better and you create friendships that go beyond work.”
Meeting people in the fire academy was awesome for Tyler as he had previously met numerous people at FCS.
“FCS was great because you can get to know everyone and meet a lot of great people,” Tyler said. “Some of my closest friends still today played basketball and football with me at FCS. It was a fun high school experience that I wouldn’t change for anything. ”
Six percent of the fire department nationwide consists of females. These statistics did not stop Kayla from achieving success as a first responder.
“I think that it’s fun to be a part of the small percentage of firefighters that are women,” Kayla said. “I am honored by the opportunity to serve my community.’’
The fire department preaches the importance of courage, integrity, and teamwork. Kayla has lots of experience on teams since she played multiple sports, including volleyball, soccer, and softball, while she was a student at FCS. Sports gave her self-assurance, along with her faith in Christ, which she had practiced at Fresno Christian.
“FCS showed me that having my identity in Christ is more important than anything else,” Kayla Vanderlinden said, “As long as you know who you are, you can do anything. Confidence is key, and playing many different sports has given me opportunities to learn new things quickly which is important for my job.”
The older siblings, Kayla and Tyler Vanderlinden, both work at fire station 56 but on different shifts, while Zach Vanderlinden works at fire station 59. Their daily routine consists of working out, enjoying meals with their crew mates, and cleaning up the engine bay and station.
“Each day will never be the same,” said Tyler Vanderlinden. “The days differ with the different calls and captains’ different schedules.”
The Vanderlinden siblings are making a remarkable impact in Fresno while continuing to serve the community for God’s glory.
For more from The Feather visit: Kayla Vanderlinden shines on, off the court or FC team races at State Cross Country Championship
To read another Alumni Spotlight visit Alumni Spotlight: Ellie Koleen or Alumni Spotlight: Gregory Tharpe
