At Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, the Jesuit ideals of service to others guide students beyond the classroom and continue to shape their careers long after graduation.
William Fong, a member of Jersey City, NJ Local 1066 and Prep alum, lives those values every day.
“The essence of firefighting is that while others are running out, we’re running in to protect life and property,” Fong said. “The Jesuit values I learned at Prep – brotherhood and camaraderie – are the same principles I live by in the firehouse.”
Fong joined the Jersey City Fire Department in 2017 after earning a degree in sports medicine and working in physical therapy for a year.
“My uncle encouraged me to take the civil service test, but before that, I didn’t even know firefighting was a career you could just step into,” he said. “I had no idea how to even get started. So, when I was invited back to Saint Peter’s for Career Day, I wanted to show the students that there are great careers in public service that don’t require an expensive four-year degree. You can still have a fulfilling job that allows you to help people.”
The essence of firefighting is that while others are running out, we’re running in to protect life and property.
local 1066 fire fighter william fong
Fong has been a staple at his alma mater’s career day events, with his first visit in spring 2023. He recently celebrated his 15-year high school reunion and was among 50 Prep alumni invited back to speak, setting a new record.
“Being on the front lines in public service, especially during 2020 and 2021, exemplified the Jesuit ideals our school teaches its students,” said Mike Murcia, Director of Alumni Relations. “For so many alumni, these lessons made an impact that extended far beyond the classroom and Will’s work as a fire fighter is a clear example of that.”
Murcia says he’s received great feedback from students interested in public service who have found Fong’s presentations helpful over the years.
“Will is clear, concise, and insightful. At the end of the day, Will’s goal is always to help our students understand what the day-to-day operations look like and what the bigger picture is asking for in the role of a fire fighter,” he said.
While Fong says being a fire fighter is one of the most rewarding careers, he’s eager to teach the next generation about the benefits of a career in the fire service.
“I tried another career, and I can tell you that I don’t get the same sense of fulfillment from that job as I do from firefighting. I try to share this with the students, especially those whose parents are spending a lot of money to send them to a private school,” said Fong. “If this is something you’re passionate about, don’t be ashamed to go for it just because of societal pressures or expectations.”
