From Sunbird to First Responder: AJ Kirby’s Story of Service

Paul summed it up perfectly: it was “a really, really fun, informative…excellent interview.” AJ, he added, is “one shining example” of the kind of leader Fresno Pacific helps develop.

Finding a Calling

AJ grew up with public service close to home. His father served as a 34-year LAPD veteran and retired sergeant, and AJ initially considered law enforcement. But after becoming an EMT and spending time around fire crews, firefighting became the clear fit.

“Just being around the fire department,” AJ said, “seeing the camaraderie…the teamwork…I enjoyed their schedule. I enjoyed the fact that every day is different. No day is the same.”

He added the heart behind the job: “They get to…serve the citizens and serve the community.”

“Boot Camp” Reality—and Team Culture

When Paul asked about the start of AJ’s fire service journey, AJ described the fire academy as intense from day one.

“The first day of the academy was pretty intense,” he said. “It’s like a boot camp type of academy…they’re trying to make sure you really want to do this.”

Even as a college athlete, the physical challenge was only part of it. The toughest lesson was mental and relational—how to operate as a unit where everyone is responsible for everyone.

“One person messes up, everyone gets disciplined for it,” AJ explained. “You might not necessarily be the one messing up, but you get disciplined…because we’re all a team.”

A Day at the Station (and the Pressure of Dinner)

Firehouse life starts early.

“I make relief around 5:30,” AJ said. “You check your SCBA…you check your PPE…make sure everything is ready to go.”

The Palisades Fire: “Once in a Lifetime”

One of the most sobering moments of the conversation came when Paul asked about the Palisades fire, which affected so many communities across Southern California. AJ wasn’t assigned directly to the main incident, but he clearly remembers the urgency of that day.

“We turn on the news and we see the Palisades fire going out,” he said. “Immediately grab the radios…and you could just hear the intensity…asking for additional companies.”

The conditions were extreme.

“That day it was just intense,” AJ said. “The winds were insane…that was one of the busiest days I ever seen.”

Veterans told him it was historic.

“Guys with 30 years on the job say that’s a once in a lifetime type of thing,” AJ shared. “You’ll never see that again.”

Later, AJ drove by the area and shared the image that still sticks with him.

“All you could see is the chimneys,” he said. “Everything else burned down.”

After lineup, drills and station tasks, the day is shaped by calls—often with little predictability. And yes, there’s one task that comes with its own kind of heat: cooking.

“If you don’t serve a good meal,” AJ laughed, “you’re going to hear about it.”

His go-to dinner?

“Carne asada tacos.”

Fresno Pacific’s Lasting Impact

AJ’s FPU path began when a coach noticed him during a high school tournament.

“He was at the game watching,” AJ said. “He offered me a scholarship…and that’s how I ended up going to FPU.”

The transition wasn’t easy at first.

“It was hard… not knowing anyone… four hours from home,” AJ admitted, especially as a redshirt. “Being a redshirt…practicing but don’t actually get to play…it was hard on me.” But the relationships changed everything.

“I’ve created lifelong friendships and brothers,” he said. “That’s something you can’t replicate.”

AJ also credited Coach CJ Haydock for shaping the program’s culture. “He just took us in, treated us like we were his own kids. He wanted us to grow as men off the court, and then that will tie into basketball,” AJ said. “He wanted us to grow as men off the court.”

A Sunbird Story Still Growing

By the end of the interview, Paul returned to the bigger picture, who AJ has become beyond the stat sheet.

AJ put it simply: “I love FPU. I love Fresno…They molded me who I am today. I wouldn’t be the person who I am today without going to FPU.”

Sunbirds are built for more than the game. They’re built to lead, to serve and to show up when it matters most.

Go Sunbirds.