SUU to Firefighter and Children's Book Author

A last-minute, and late-night, decision to visit Southern Utah University changed Joe Garces’ educational pathway. After a campus tour and introduction to the education department, he enrolled at SUU and has loved his decision ever since.

Originally from Ventura, CA, Joe began his college experience in his hometown before ultimately landing at SUU and graduating in 1998. He studied elementary education with concentrations in fine arts and a social sciences composite.

Joe initially taught elementary and high school English before becoming a firefighter several years ago.  He is assigned to the arson bureau as an investigator and inspector, and is an engineer with the responsibility of driving the engine and operating the pump panel.

“I have really enjoyed the variety and unpredictability of this profession as well as the joy and satisfaction that comes along with helping people,” he says. “It’s not an easy job and it can be very rough at times, but I do like being a firefighter.”

Joe is also an author having written children’s books, a blog, novels, screenplays, and articles on a variety of issues. His first children’s book, Garrett the Firefighter, was published in 2008 and written specifically for his oldest son.

“Now, if you are going to write a book for one of your kids, you had better be committed enough to write a book for all of them,” says Joe. He has since written two more books: Tyler the Cowpoke (2013) and Ryan the Pirate (2016).

One of Joe’s favorite SUU memories is attending his first football game. Knowing only two people on campus, he wandered to the game alone. By halftime he was “having a blast,” and by game’s end he had several new life-long friends with whom he still stays in contact. He remains impressed with the accepting and inclusive nature of the student body.

The simple things at SUU brought him great joy. He liked walking to class in the fall crunching the leaves as we went, and seeing the entire campus blanketed in snow. As a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, he fondly remembers the haunted houses, Easter egg hunts, and just having great experiences with his fraternity brothers.

“I would encourage others to attend SUU not just for the quality of education, but also for the overall positive experience of small town life, great people, and outstanding weather,” he says, “And the excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures are beyond compare.”

Joe’s oldest son Garrett, a sophomore in high school, is 100% committed to becoming a T-Bird and that makes Joe happy. Two of his co-workers have children currently attending SUU.

He credits SUU for providing him with a safe environment and an excellent support system, which made his college education not only attainable, but also enjoyable.

“SUU turned me on to a lifetime of learning and being a forever student of life,” says Joe.