Ruidoso Firefighter Recognized for Achievement in Fire Academy
Local Firefighter Receives Metallica Scholarship and Wolverine Gear Pack
Ruidoso Firefighter Blake Templeton was presented with a Wolverine Gear Pack that included a certificate for a pair of Wolverine boots, Wolverine swag, including socks, a bandana, and a poster. The award was funded through the Metallica Scholarship program and Wolverine. Ruidoso Fire Chief Cade Hall, Ruidoso Assistant Fire Chief Austin Meuli and Lieutenant Alec Davis presented the Gear Pack to Templeton and his family at ENMU-Ruidoso Monday, June 8.
Left to right: Ruidoso Fire Chief Cade Hall, Firefighter and Award Recipient Blake Templeton, Lieutenant Alec Davis and Ruidoso Assistant Fire Chief Austin Meuli.
ENMU-Ruidoso announced last October that it had been selected as one of 15 nationwide recipients to join Year 7 of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Supported by a generous $75,000 grant aimed at enhancing the non-credit wildland and structural fire academies and credit-bearing Fire Science degree pathway.
Ruidoso firefighter Blake Templeton with his family.
Templeton was one of the 30 recipients who received the Metallica Scholarship and completed the training. Lieutenant Alec Davis nominated Templeton to Metallica for the Wolverine Gear Packet.
“The grant funds were used to reduce cost barriers for students by covering tuition, PPE, and required supplies, which are often cost-prohibitive for rural and underserved populations. Funds will also support personalized academic coaching, tutoring, and study sessions that help students succeed in rigorous coursework. Additionally, students benefit from structured test preparation for national certification exams such as NWCG and IFSAC, ensuring they are well-positioned for credential attainment. Career navigation services will include advising, resume and interview coaching, and facilitated connections to local, tribal, state, and federal fire service employers. This comprehensive support will enable more students not only to enter training programs, but also to persist through challenges, complete certifications, and transition successfully into the fire and emergency services workforce.” said ENMU-Ruidoso’s Director of Career and Technical Education Gray Mowery.
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The $75,000 grant funds included student access to high-quality instruction, personal protective equipment (PPE), and essential course materials. Students will receive individualized academic and career advising to help them navigate training pathways, apply prior certifications for college credit, and prepare for industry-recognized credentials. Additionally, support will include mentoring and exposure to fire service career opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.
All Within My Hands (AWMH), the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced the 7th year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), with its largest grant to date totaling approximately $3M. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students. For a complete list of all 75 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.
About All Within My Hands
All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. 100% of donations go directly to local organizations that the Foundation supports. To date, All Within My Hands’ collective efforts have granted over $25M— providing $13.5M in grants to career and technical education programs, over $7.5M to combat food insecurity, and more than $5M to disaster relief efforts. To learn more about All Within My Hands, visit AllWithinMyHands.org and follow them on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College
The ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College’s mission is to enhance the lives of students and the communities we serve, now and into the future. Visit ruidoso.enmu.edu or call 575-315-1120 for more information.
