Tobiah (Tobi) Howell was like many high school graduates, feeling uncertain about his future. He worked full-time at a landscaping company, unsure of his next steps.
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Tobiah Howell Found Strength and Determination at Aims
February 05, 2025
His girlfriend suggested that he become a firefighter. After that, he began to look into that calling. “I met my best friend’s dad, a firefighter, and he showed me around the station,” Tobi recalled. “I fell in love with it. Seeing the firetrucks, the teamwork, and what the job stands for — it just clicked. I wanted to do this and knew it was meant for me.”
Tobi was encouraged by his newfound passion to pursue this path. Recommendations from local firefighters and the reputation of Aims Community College’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Fire Science programs clarified his next decision. “Everyone I talked to said Aims was the best place to start,” he said. “I knew I’d get the training I needed here.”
Laying the Groundwork for Success
Tobi was homeschooled throughout his entire K-12 education. While he had exposure to tests and structured learning, his education was less rigid compared to the demanding coursework of EMT and Fire Academy. Initially, he felt nervous about transitioning to a traditional classroom setting, but adapted quickly. “Being homeschooled, I had a bunch of stigmas around me that I wouldn’t be able to succeed or anything like that,” he said. “So my biggest goal would be sticking it out the whole way through and just doing it.”
Tobi’s first step at Aims was enrolling in the Summer 2023 EMT program and then began the Fire Academy. “The jump from being homeschooled to taking fire science and EMT classes was a big one,” Tobi admitted. “At first, I was scared, but the faculty at Aims made it easy to adjust. They supported me every step of the way.”
The instructors in the program helped mentor Tobi in gaining skills in emergency medicine and firefighting. “They believed in me from day one,” he said. “They didn’t just teach me — they pushed me to be my best and prepared me for the real world of firefighting.”
Another thing that Tobi attributes to his success is the new Sim City public safety training facility on the Windsor Campus. Aims built this for students to provide realistic residential and commercial layouts to train in. “The hands-on training here is amazing,” Tobi said. “Having access to these resources makes all the difference.”
He also appreciated the access to the gym and workout room at the Public Safety Institute to support the physical requirements to strive in this profession. He uses the gym often and loves it. “Fitness is a big part of firefighting. You’ve got to be in shape.”
Beyond the faculty and facilities, Tobi found camaraderie and connection at Aims. He has formed lifelong friendships with fellow students. “The friendships I’ve made here are incredible,” he said. “It feels like a family. Everyone is working toward their goals and supporting each other.”
The state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Sim City and fire science gym, enhanced his experience. “The hands-on training here is amazing,” Tobi said.
Another benefit of the program is the preparation students receive for future employment. “Aims prepares you for the real world. The instructors have connections and will give great recommendations when I apply for jobs. The instructors at Aims can help provide advice for interviews and also have the ability to help with mock interviews". He also feels like due to Aims’ highly regarded reputation will give him a leg up in the job market. “When people are looking over your resume, and they see that you got your certificates from Aims Community College, that will immediately bump you up a little bit because they know you're getting the top-notch teaching and skills training.”
Tobi encourages anyone considering Aims to take the leap. “You won’t regret it,” he said. “The faculty, the resources, the community—it’s all here to help you succeed. No matter where you’re starting from, Aims can help you get where you want to go.”
Overcoming a Setback
Tobi’s path at Aims wasn’t without challenges. Tobi had an accident while training four weeks before he completed the Fire Academy in the Fall of 2023. The class was practicing pulling a victim out of the second-story window. He was on a ladder, lost balance, fell about 14 feet and broke his leg.
“When I broke my leg, I probably did it in the best environment possible, surrounded by a bunch of firefighters,” he said. Chief Robert Willits and the other instructors made that night much less traumatic with the comfort that they provided. He discovered his motivation through this experience and cemented his pursuit of public safety.
“Getting the opportunity to help someone on their worst day and ease their pain, as much as my pain was eased, is why I want to be a firefighter.”
After the accident, he questioned his path forward. Chief John McDougall, who runs the Fire Science program, called Tobi the next day and said he would ensure he got through this. This was reassuring. Tobi passed the written exams, which allowed him to return the following semester to complete the program’s physical part and become a certified firefighter in Spring 2024.
But Tobi wasn’t alone. The Aims community rallied around him, offering encouragement and solutions to keep him on track. His teachers, Chief Robert Willits and Instructor Kristine Skala were instrumental in helping Tobi navigate his recovery. “They made sure I knew I was still part of the program, even when I couldn’t physically be there,” he said. “They pushed me when I needed it but supported me when I needed time to heal.”
When Tobi was ready to return, the faculty ensured he could rejoin the academy without starting over. “That was huge for me,” Tobi said. “It showed me how much they cared about my success, not just as a student, but as a person.”
Fueling the Future
Tobi is on track to complete his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology in Fall 2025. He has already completed certificates in Emergency Medical Technician, Basic Firefighter and Firefighter I. He strives for a 4.0 GPA and wants to continue his education with an eventual bachelor's degree.
After graduation, Tobi is looking to become a firefighter, with his sights set on departments in Greeley or Evans. “I’m excited about the future,” he said. “What I love about firefighting is that you’re constantly learning. There’s always a new skill to master, whether high-angle rescue, hazmat or EMT work.” He also looks forward to helping people and making a difference in their lives.
Reflecting on his journey, Tobi is most proud of his resilience. “There were moments I wanted to give up, especially after my injury,” he said. “But I stuck with it, and Aims gave me the tools and support to keep going.”
