Give to the Christopher Baker & Marcus Gombs "D.R.E.A.M." Endowed Scholarship

Christopher Baker & Marcus Gombs "D.R.E.A.M." Endowed Scholarship

The Christopher Baker and Marcus Gombs D.R.E.A.M.(Dedication, Resilience, Excellence, Ambition & Motivation) scholarship was established as a meaningful initiative rooted in the values of service, education, leadership and community support. It was created to empower students and community members to pursue careers in the fire service and inspired by the transformative journeys of two dedicated firefighters, who proved that with hard work and determination, no goal is unattainable. 

Christopher Baker started his career in the fire service in 2003.  With limited knowledge about the fire service, he knew that early life lessons of hard work and dedication would take him far. He completed Fire and EMT school at Daytona State College while finishing paramedic certification and an Associate in Science degree in EMS at Seminole State College. His unwavering desire to help the next generation was prominent as he was an engine evaluator, paramedic preceptor and mentor to many of his peers.   

Marcus Gombs has lived in Central Florida since 2006. He has a B.S. from the University of Central Florida. Firefighting was always a life goal, but Marcus made a promise to be the first one in his family to graduate with a four-year degree. After graduating, he felt called to do more and serve the community, so he attended Seminole State College's EMT, Fire and Paramedic programs. Since graduation from Seminole State, Marcus has served the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) since 2011. 

Together Chris and Marcus have participated in many uplifting community events, such as Christmas toy drives for underprivileged children, back to school backpack giveaways, Boys and Girls Club mentorships, firefighter for the day for the youth, food giveaways for the less fortunate, refurbishing mailboxes for underserved communities, smoke detector installations, and recruitment events at local high schools and colleges. They have both received multiple awards for excellence and community involvement, not only from the SCFD but also from other members and businesses within the community.  

This initiative seeks to give back to the community by inspiring and supporting the next generation of firefighters. Its purpose is to help students and young individuals unlock their potential, build meaningful careers and contribute to the community in impactful ways. The D.R.E.A.M. Scholarship stands as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, excellence, ambition and motivation, aiming to create pathways for aspiring firefighters. 

Students interested in the Combined EMT/Fire Program or Fire Academy only, if EMT certification has already been acquired, are encouraged to apply. Preference for students demonstrating financial need, or those who have participated in ride-along opportunities, mentorship and fitness workouts through the Seminole County Fire Department before application to the Fire Academy.