CTK Alum Finds his Calling as a Chicago Firefighter

Sometimes it takes a little longer for someone to find their career calling. That is true of Levelle Kimble III CTK ’18 whose journey led him to becoming CTK’s first Chicago firefighter, and a week later, a first-time father. As he explained, “After I graduated from CTK, I went through a period where I was trying to figure things out, but I just kept going. It took me 6 or 7 years to find something I really like doing and get to where I am now, but it was all worth it!”

Upon graduating from CTK, Levelle enrolled in community college at Wilbur Wright College. He stepped away from his studies during COVID, to focus on a job driving trucks to pay the bills. He remains close to his family who he credits for instilling his values and his service/community orientation. His father and grandfather are both public servants in law enforcement, and his dad, recognizing that his son was at a career crossroads, suggested he consider pursuing the Chicago Fire Academy. Levelle felt drawn to the opportunity, and was one of 20,000 applicants for 100 spots. He stayed positive and lucky, with his fate decided by receiving a low number in the lottery system.  

Levelle embarked on the Chicago Fire Academy’s intensive 6-month combination of classroom and hands-on learning as part of one of four trainee cohort groups. The instruction was split evenly between fire-related work and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training. Levelle was challenged yet invigorated by the Academy’s long days, Monday-Friday, 5AM – 3PM, followed by nightly homework, take home quizzes, and studying required to pass frequent tests. He was able to succeed, in part due to fully committing to a career path that he was passionate about pursuing.

Levelle credits his time at CTK with preparing him first for college-level courses at Wilbur Wright, and then for the demanding Fire Academy classwork. He had transferred to CTK for his junior and senior high school years, where he says he was a “solid student and varsity basketball player.” The dedication, leadership, and collaboration required to be a good teammate has aided him as a firefighter. He also willingly took on his service hours requirement, saying that: “giving back to the community is important to me. You never know when you can help someone in need. The importance of giving back is one of things that led me to my current career.”

He remembers his Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) experience at the Katten Muchin Rosenman law firm providing exposure to real world responsibility and professionalism. Through his work assignment, he learned it was important to show up and apply yourself to whatever you are asked to do. He also appreciates the CTK teachers and staff for their investment in him and his classmates, and for “providing the tools needed to be successful in whatever you do.”

Levelle graduated from the Chicago Fire Academy in December 2024. Upon graduation, Levelle was assigned to a firehouse on Chicago’s South Side and has begun accepting real emergency calls. He works as part of a rotation with other fire personnel at his station, being on for a 24-hour, 8AM– 8AM shift, followed by 48 hours off. The team responds to ambulance calls, assisting paramedics, and to fire-related calls in their assigned geography, which thankfully have been few in number. They need to remain alert during their shift and make sure their gear and equipment are ready when needed. Given what he’s learned so far, he praised the strength and dedication of the Southern California firefighters and prayed for all those affected by that difficult situation.

Now that Levelle has found his career path, he vows to keep learning and growing. He already is considering additional job-specific fire service training and certification that will help him advance in his career. He has also been accepted into a couple of 4-year college programs, and intends to pursue a degree in business management. The Chicago Fire Department encourages part-time college enrollment, and reimburses for tuition expenses based on grades earned, starting with an “A” at 100% course reimbursement.

Levelle has signed up to share his career journey and insights at CTK’s upcoming Career Day event on Friday, March 7^th. Amongst the advice he intends to share with current students based on his experience will be: “Time goes by fast. Be prepared for what comes next – college and career. Find your passion in life. As a firefighter or whatever you do, it will be important to be a leader, hard-working, dependable/trustworthy, and a strong communicator & teammate.”

Continued good luck to Levelle as he pursues his passion.