After 30 years of dedicating his life to defending his community against fire disasters, Carey D. Waddell, a 48-year-old firefighter in the United States, has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning his Doctorate Degree (PhD) from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
Carey joined the United States Air Force (Fire Protection) in 1992 and served as a firefighter until 2022. Despite his demanding role, he made the decision to further his education, enrolling in university to earn his Bachelors, Masters, and finally his PhD degrees.
He began his higher academic journey in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Public Administration from Ashford University in 2012. Just two years later, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Leadership with Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Throughout his academic journey, Carey also took numerous professional courses to improve his skills, including the Fire Emergency Services Flight Supt Course, the United States Emergency Operations Center Director Course, and others. In 2019, he earned his PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development from Grand Canyon University.
Carey celebrated his achievement on LinkedIn, writing about his journey as a firefighter. “When the odds are against you, it’s important to reflect on past accomplishments. I earned my Doctoral of Education degree in 2019, specializing in Leadership and Organizational Development. I’m ready for my next challenge and won’t stop until I reach the top,” he wrote.
After 30 years of dedicated service, Carey has retired from the fire service on his own terms. “I started as a firefighter, rose through the ranks to Fire Chief, and have now retired after 30 years of fulfilling service,” he added.
Congratulations to the newly-minted Dr Carey D. Waddell.
