As a young man, Jerry Chapman attended AWANA club at Pampa Bible Church for 13 years. He came all the way through the program, which included learning the Word of God, actively serving in his church. After high school graduation, he went on a mission trip to Japan. After high school in 2005, Jerry chose to attend TSTC in Waco, and he received an associate of applied science degree on December 11, 2007, where he was on the dean’s honor roll.
Later, Jerry became involved with the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department. He became NIMS-compliant in many areas and received many certifications that furthered his career as a firefighter. In October 2012, he received from the National Fire Academy, ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents for Operational First Responders and ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff, Complex Incidents and MACS for Operational First Responders.
In November 2012, Jerry was given a certificate marking one year of service to Hill County through the Hill County Firefighters Association and then began the EMT course with West EMS. He was certified to administer CPR and AED, and the course was to conclude at the end of April 2013. As of April 15, 2013, he had passed his skills test and was near completion and ready for National Registry soon after.
Jerry’s desire was to become a helicopter EMT. Flying was on the agenda, but schooling was very expensive, so he was doing the things he needed to do to provide the income necessary and take the steps to further his dream and make it a reality.