For SWOCC alum Caleb Owens, serving the local community started early and close to home. A Coquille native, Caleb got his start with the Coos Bay Fire Department’s student program just after high school. That experience sparked a clear path forward: public service through fire and emergency response.
Caleb enrolled at SWOCC to pursue a dual degree in Fire Science and Paramedicine, a route that allowed him to get hands-on training while continuing to grow in the student firefighter program. Two years into his training, he was hired as a career firefighter with the Coos Bay Fire Department and learned to balance full-time work with an intense course load.
Today, Caleb has worked his way up to Lieutenant within the department, where he now coordinates the same student program that launched his career.
“I have been inspired by watching successful firefighters who enjoy their jobs,” he says. “Now, I get to help the next generation start that same journey.”
Balancing the demands of emergency response with a full class load wasn’t always easy, but Caleb says the understanding and flexibility of his instructors helped him stay on track.
“Sometimes I had to leave class for an emergency or show up late,” he recalls. “But my instructors worked with me. They knew we were training for a real career, and they supported that.”
Also, Caleb is a new dad and enjoying his growing family. His wife, Shaylynn, is a registered nurse who also graduated from SWOCC’s Nursing Program and works locally in the medical field. Together, they remain dedicated to serving and strengthening our community.
“My beautiful wife and I plan on raising our growing family here in Coos County and being involved,” he says.
Caleb hopes to retire from a long and enjoyable career with CBFD filled with great friendships and unforgettable memories.
“Because of SWOCC, I have the necessary education to work and enjoy the best career I could ever want,” he says.
