Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Wade ’15

For Brandon Wade ’15, service has always been more than a career choice. To him, it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to learning. A Charlotte Fire Department firefighter and newly promoted Fire Captain, Brandon’s path reflects both his dedication to public service and the foundation built during his years at Cannon School.

Brandon attended Cannon from first grade through graduation in 2015, an experience he credits with shaping his academic confidence and work ethic. He recalls the lasting influence of teachers who consistently encouraged him to aim higher and explore opportunities beyond what he initially imagined for himself. “Being at Cannon formed me into a lifelong learner,” he says. “It pushed me to pursue degrees I never thought I would earn.”

Several faculty members played a particularly meaningful role in that journey, including Debra Young, Sue Ramsey, Brad Davis, and Teresita Hurtado. One moment stands out clearly: walking into Mrs. Young’s office to request approval for dual enrollment at a local community college so he could pursue firefighter certification. “She was excited and immediately wanted me to go after it,” Brandon recalls. That encouragement helped set the course for a career defined by initiative and service.

After graduating from Cannon, Brandon attended Central Piedmont Community College, earning an associate degree in Fire Protection. He later completed a bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management at Western Carolina University and a Master of Science in Emergency Management with a concentration in Homeland Security at Brevard College. In 2017, he joined the Charlotte Fire Department, where he has been assigned to Engine 32 for nearly six years.

Recently promoted to Fire Captain, Brandon describes the role as both humbling and deeply meaningful. “My old role focused on patient care and fire suppression,” he explains. “This new role means being responsible for the crew assigned to me, including their safety, their day-to-day lives during 24-hour shifts, and making sound tactical decisions to protect lives and property and ensure everyone goes home to their families.”

The teamwork and resilience required in the fire service, Brandon says, were skills first developed at Cannon, particularly through athletics. Playing sports taught him the value of collaboration, humility, and recognizing the strengths of others. Most importantly, Cannon instilled in him the mindset of continuous growth. “The biggest skill Cannon taught me was to be a lifelong learner,” he says. “In the fire service, there is always something new to master, whether through higher education, new certifications, or refining existing skills.”

In addition to his work with the Charlotte Fire Department, Brandon teaches Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Operations at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Cleveland Community College. He also serves on Cannon’s Alumni Board, a role he embraced as an opportunity to give back and broaden students’ perspectives on future careers. “It’s important for students to see that there are many meaningful paths beyond the traditional ones,” he shares. “The world needs people who serve others and work with their hands, and there are many ways to pursue higher education along the way.”

Now living in Locust, North Carolina, Brandon spends his free time fly fishing, mountain biking, camping, and staying active outdoors. When asked what advice he would offer current Cannon students, especially those interested in public service, his response is both practical and encouraging. He urges students to get involved in their local public safety communities, explore certifications early, and ask questions. “Public safety is a stable, fulfilling career,” he says. “You’ll be making a difference.”

From the classrooms at Cannon to the front lines of public service, Brandon Wade ’15 exemplifies leadership grounded in service, learning, and community, values that continue to define both his career and his connection to Cannon.