Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 x Profiles of Courage is a family-friendly playlist series on Spotify that gives members of our community the opportunity to get to know the faces that make up the dedicated team of fire service professionals and beyond.
We hope you enjoy these playlists and get to know the heroes on our team—those behind the gear, behind the scenes, and everyone who helps uplift and strengthen our work every day.
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“I worked for a lumber company in Beaumont where a volunteer firefighter coworker inspired my interest in the fire service. I began with Travis County ESD #2 in 1998, starting as a volunteer and later serving 25 years full time. The fire service instills pride and gave me opportunities to serve and grow, earning fire certifications, a bachelor’s from Texas State and a master’s from UT Rio Grande Valley. This playlist reflects the music I grew up with and enjoy.” – Tory Thompson, Battalion Chief at TCESD No. 2
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people, which led me to a career with the fire department. What started with teaching fire safety to kids has evolved into my current role in Community Risk Reduction, where I identify risks in the community and create programs to minimize them. This job is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to make a real difference in the safety and well-being of others.” – Casey Villanueva, Community Risk Reduction Program Manager at TCESD No. 2
“At 12, I knew I was here to help others. After losing my grandfather and seeing my brother diagnosed with cancer, I had a deep desire to help medically. In college, my coach advised, “Always leave a place better than you found it.” Realizing doctors are limited by insurance, I chose EMT training, then fire academy. Now, I’m a paramedic, field trainer, and instructor in the department’s Cadet and Paramedic programs. I believe that the work we do is leaving this place a better one for us all.” – Brandon Stephens, Firefighter/Paramedic & Field Trainer
“Growing up, I always admired those who were out helping the community. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. I became a paralegal after college, however, I always felt like there was something missing. After having kids, I felt it was time for a change. I searched around for a more meaningful career path where I could be out helping people and not sitting behind a desk all day. Firefighting seemed like the perfect fit. I joined the department a year ago and it has been the best decision I have ever made.” – Jennie Archer, Firefighter
“Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri I was fortunate that my parents allowed me to take several trips during High School and from then on I knew I wanted to travel. After obtaining my Associates Degree, I knew I wanted to serve my country, save lives, and see the world. When I found the Navy offered a career as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer I knew it was the perfect fit. After finishing the training pipeline I departed the U.S. to join my squadron in Atsugi, Japan. I was stationed there for 4 years and deployed to Guam, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, China, and the Philippines. In 2017 I returned to the U.S. and was stationed in San Diego as an instructor. While there I met my wife Sara and we began our life together. In 2020 I transitioned from active duty to the reserves and, later that year, moved to Pflugerville. It wasn’t long before I saw the job posting for Firefighter at TCESD2. It seemed like fate when a paramilitary organization had an opening in the town I live in. In 2022 I graduated from the fire academy with Cadet Class 31. In July 2023 my wife and I became proud parents of our son, Luke, and in 2024 we welcomed the birth of our daughter, Savannah. We are also proud parents of 3 dogs, 7 goats, 2 llamas, 30 chickens and a cat. I’m honored to serve the community that I live in, alongside some truly courageous men and women.” – Paul Nutting, Training Division FF/EMT and Navy Veteran
“I spent 15 years as a chef before I leaped into emergency services. My father passed away at 56; I was 28. With the support of my now-wife, I quit my sous chef job and joined the ESD2 Intern program. Last year, I joined the ESD2 Paramedic program. Thankfully for my crew, I still flaunt my kitchen skills occasionally.” – Tim Ybarra, Firefighter/Paramedic
“Since I was young I knew that I wanted to have a career doing something exciting but I didn’t know what. I considered becoming a police officer or joining the military right after high school. That was until I met a friend’s dad who was a firefighter, we talked about all the different types of emergencies he would respond to and that peaked my interest. I decided to pursue a career in the fire service when i was 19 and applied for the academy, I got accepted and the rest is history. I’ve been doing this job for the past 12 years and I can honestly say that I still enjoy it. The job comes with its ups and downs but the camaraderie that I have with my crew and being able to work as a team to help others is something that is very rewarding.” – Alan Ordieres, Apparatus Specialist
“I began my career in the fire service by happenstance. I was a college student that had no idea what I wanted to do when a friend suggested looking into becoming a firefighter. I was fortunate enough to have a volunteer department close by and put in an application. It is wild to think that this one decision would lead me on a path that would bring so much fulfillment in my life. Since my early days as a volunteer, I’ve been fortunate enough to build a career as a firefighter over the last 21 years. I wish I could say that the decision that drew me to the fire service was made with the purest of intentions, but honestly, it was the excitement and unpredictability of the job. Looking back now, I realize that this job has exceeded those expectations and more. And talking about the unpredictable, who knew the sense of joy and pride I’d feel from being able to provide care to citizens in their time of need. Through this job I have been able to form lifelong friendships with people that have the same passion and dedication toward a common goal, it doesn’t get much better than that! I was slightly worried about putting this playlist together, I wasn’t sure what needed to be on it, then realized that I should just pull from my life experiences. In this playlist you’ll find songs that I’ve celebrated with, songs that make me smile, and songs that are a tribute to my family. I hope you enjoy it!” – Aaron Segura, Battalion Chief
“My interest in becoming a firefighter began at the age of 12 y/o when I went to an event with a family friend who was an LA County Firefighter. I witnessed a tight-knit community within the fire service, which was like a second family. The variety and diversity of the work was appealing to me, and I thrive on new experiences and learning opportunities. That dream fell away until I got married and we had our first child. I was determined to get into this career, moved to Texas and didn’t give up on my dream. At 31, I achieved my goal! Driven by a strong desire to serve the community and help others in times of need, I obtained my paramedic license. Being able to make a difference in people’s lives during emergencies is rewarding. It’s been almost 10 yrs, with Pflugerville and I still enjoy coming to work and facing the unknown. I hope to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their community like my family friend did for me. It took some time to create this music playlist, because I couldn’t figure out what direction I wanted to go. I enjoy going to music festivals, because you get to listen to several different genres at one venue. This playlist was created with that in mind, hope you find at least one track you can jam to!” – Drew Dilworth, Apparatus Specialist & Paramedic
“I began my firefighting career later than most at the age of 32. The number of years I worked in the private sector as well as the life experience gained growing up in a very small rural town provided a great base with which to build a successful career in firefighting. When this opportunity was presented, I knew it was what I wanted to do and, even many years later, would do nothing different. I enjoy coming to work where you never know what problems you’ll be solving and whose life you may be affecting in a positive way when they may otherwise be having a bad day. As far as music goes, I’m not usually into creating playlists, I prefer more randomness than what I can create out of my own head, and considering what’s in my head, that’s exceptionally random. If you ever find yourself in a situation that’s not quite an emergency but you just need some classic ‘80’s inspiration, allow me to suggest The Emergency Hall and Oates Helpline; 1-719-266-2837.”
“My journey started with me feeling a bit lost and unfulfilled. I discovered fire service on a whim and felt that spark inside I had been missing and looking for. Travis County Emergency Service District No. 2 gave me an opportunity to realize a dream that might not have been possible without their cadet program. With hard work and determination, I was able to overcome myself and many obstacles along the way. I am still working to find a good balance daily as an individual, wife, homeschooling mother of three children, and Firefighter/EMT. I enjoy these songs very often whether on or off shift. They remind me of journey past and ahead.” – Cordiella Brazziell, Firefighter/EMT
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