Sirens scream overhead as Daniel Tully tugs on his boots and grabs his helmet. He always envisioned a career serving his community. 

“I never know what my day will be. One call could be to a pool, the next could be in a field, fighting a grass fire.”

A full-time firefighter with a central Texas fire department, every day is a new adventure for Daniel. 

“I always wanted to become a firefighter. The adrenaline and teamwork always appealed to me."

Daniel enrolled in the ACC Fire Academy in 2014 to pursue his dream. 

“ACC has one of the top fire academy programs in the area. Our instructors are from different fire departments across Central Texas, so you really get to see how all the departments will operate. It shows you exactly what you are getting into.”

He took classes through the academy during the day and EMT courses at night and earned both his Firefighter Level 1 and Emergency Medical Technician certificates. 

“On a typical week I work my shifts at the firehouse while continuing to train and educate myself as a firefighter and EMT."

The adrenaline rush at the station only fueled his desire to keep learning. 

"I wanted to keep doing what I loved, but also find something new to tackle — a way connect with people. When I looked around; real estate felt like the perfect fit."

Daniel came back to ACC in spring 2018, to stake his claim in the Central Texas real estate market. 

"At first I wasn't sure how I could fit it all in. I didn't want to stop working. I just needed more flexibility."

He signed up for ACC's online program and focused on his classes when he wasn't at the station. 

"It worked really well with my firefighter schedule.”

Now, he's serving his community in new ways. 

"I use my days off to build my business as a real estate agent. I go out to connect with people. I just sold my first home earlier this month. It's an entirely different kind of adrenaline rush. I feel like I get to make a difference in someone's life one way or another. ACC gave me the tools I needed. The best advice I can give is to go and learn what’s offered. Everyone can find their passion at ACC.”

To learn more about ACC’s programs, visit austincc.edu/everyone.