Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 2-8-19

Feature
Tampa Native Realizes Dream Of Becoming Firefighter
REGINALD “RASHAD” JONES
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Reginald “Rashad” Jones launched his career as an educator after finishing col- lege. However, he realized that he wanted to become a fireman.
Recently, Jones was hired by Hillsborough County as a fireman. He has finally realized his dream.
A native of Tampa, Jones attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. After graduating from Middleton High School, Jones enrolled at Florida A & M University. He was a member of the famed “Marching 100,” for two years.
He returned to Tampa and enrolled first at Hillsborough Community College and later earned his B. S. Degree. After graduation, Jones entered the employment arena and worked as a substitute teacher.
But, he realized he wanted his life to follow a different path. So, while working, Jones en- tered Leary Technical College. He completed all requirements and earned his Certification as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
After earning the required certification, the next step was to find employment. Jones was fortunate in that his long jour- ney ended with employment. He was recently hired as a fire- fighter by the Hillsborough County Fire Department.
The accomplishment has re- ceived much praise, best wishes, and congratulations from his wife and children, Dr. Tia Jones, Tahj and Rajon; par- ents, Reginald and Grace Kelly Jones; and sister, Raven.
His cousin, T. D. Wilson is especially proud of Jones. He said from the time Jones was a child, he listened and applied that knowledge. “I gave him a job and I showed him once how to do it. And that was all I needed to do. I knew then, that he was special.”
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-A