Meet Alyssa Vallie

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Alyssa Vallie from Prospect Heights, Ill., has dreamed of becoming a firefighter paramedic since she was 15 years old. “I started as a lifeguard when I was 15, and that really got me interested in the EMS side.” Her passion grew even stronger after a family friend, who is a firefighter paramedic, let her try on his gear and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), Vallie knew. “I got into the car with my mom [afterward] and told her, ‘This is it.’” 

From there, Vallie joined an Explore program, which functions like a cadet program, where she began learning the basics of firefighting — even participating in a few live burns. Vallie was later hired by the Hanover Park Fire Department and sent to ECC’s Center for Emergency Services for the Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) academy. Vallie is a part of ECC’s second full-time BOF cohort.  

Once she completes the academy, she will continue her career with the Hanover Park Fire Department. Looking ahead, she has big plans for the future, which include launching a clothing brand geared towards female first responders and writing children’s books to inspire young girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

Learn a little more about this exuberant future firefighter below! 

Where is somewhere you dream of traveling? 

I can’t decide either Montana or somewhere really exotic like Fiji or Bora Bora. 

What is something that really makes your day? 

I like to radiate good vibes all over the place! Whenever I get to have a good laugh or make someone else laugh, it's a good day. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

Before I wanted to be a firefighter paramedic, I wanted to be a history teacher. I had great history teachers growing up, and they made me fall in love with the subject, so I wanted to be that for someone else. I love learning about the 1900s to the current times. 

Would you like to give a shout-out to an ECC staff member or peer? 

Chief Two Bulls has been extremely helpful, but I can’t forget Lt. Tierney and Lt. Ferraro! 

What is your favorite spot on campus?  

Right here at the Center for Emergency Services!