Ernesto Taype-Miranda continues Youth ChalleNGe discipline

It sure has been a while!  It just feels like it was yesterday that I was arriving in Roswell, NM as a cadet at NMYCA and now 4 years have gone by, WOW...!!! 

I have changed my life around in so many ways.  Sometimes it is hard for me to believe.  I never thought that one day I would be one of New York's finest, fighting fires with some of America's bravest.  To tell you the truth, it is truly an honor to do so.  Most of the thanks I have for my achievement are, of course, to my family; but I want to express great gratitude to the cadre and staff at NMYCA.  I thank God everyday of my life for all of you that pushed me to the limit and encouraged me to never quit!  Thank you!

I believe the challenge has impacted my life in many ways.  I now have a GED and a 2 year college degree in Fire Science.  I am currently working on my BS in Criminal Justice. 

The ChalleNGe has taught me self-discipline, respect, courage, honor, duty and commitment.  Just the other day I went into a fire in midtown Manhattan, New York between 8th and 7th Ave on 39th Street at a 20-story high rise building and thought of ChalleNGe.  When the engine rolled up on scene I rushed out of the truck and grabbed the nozzle and rapped the hose around my arm.  I told my team that it was time to go in, racing up the stairs the smoke gets thicker and I start to lose my breath.  I think to myself that I might want to quit.  Just as I am getting to the top, I remember a time at ChalleNGe when I felt like quitting and two cadre members corrected me for not pushing myself hard enough.  It gets hotter and hotter and I start to feel the sweat boil off my face and onto my mask.  I finally reach the top...450 degrees, IT'S HOT!!!  We drench the blazing fire and beat it. 

I sit on the truck and just think to myself, "If it weren't for those two cadre I wouldn't have made it."  Thank you ChalleNGe cadre! 

I'm 21 years old now living in Union city, NJ with my beautiful wife and a ugly dog.  I am just glad that everything is going well, many thanks to the Lord.  I plan to show up to the ChalleNGe in uniform this year to share me story with your current cadets. 
 

Respectully Submitted,
Ernesto Taype-Miranda, Cycle 7 NMYCA Graduate & Current FDNY Firefighter