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At just 19 years old, Shawn Carpenter is already living out a dream he’s carried since childhood: serving his community as a firefighter.

A born-and-raised Pittsburgher who grew up in the Hill District, Shawn was recently appointed as one of the youngest lieutenants in the 110-year history of the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Company.

Through Auberle’s Employment Institute, Shawn worked closely with a dedicated Employment Institute Case Manager, Ava, to turn his lifelong passion for service into a structured career plan. Together, they laid the groundwork for what has become the Employment Institute’s first-ever firefighter career track, which will connect more young people to careers in emergency services.

    

Shawn’s Employment Institute journey is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back.

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Auberle's Employment Institute: Building Futures, Changing Lives

Auberle believes in the transformative power of meaningful employment. Our flagship workforce development program, the Employment Institute, prepares unemployed and underemployed individuals with an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives by connecting them with a career-level job with benefits – all while wrapping them in Auberle’s vast array of holistic services to ensure their long-term success.

• Oer 600 individuals served through national certifications, career pathing, and more. 
• 81% of graduates are hired within three weeks of graduation. 
• 87% of participants keep employment for 6 months or more after hiring, a critical milestone indicating long-term success. 
• $5M+ in taxable wages earned by Employment Institute participants, empowering individuals and families while strengthening the regional economy.  
• Follow-up support for participants for life.

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A Journey Sparked Early 

Shawn’s passion for firefighting began long before he ever stepped into a leadership role.

“If toys didn’t make a siren noise, my mom said I pretty much didn’t want them.” — Shawn

Growing up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District and later moving to Carrick, Shawn was surrounded by both community and challenge. Through it all, he remained focused on a future in public service.

A pivotal moment came in 2021 when Shawn visited the FDNY in New York City. Seeing one of the most iconic fire departments in the country up close gave him a clearer vision of what was possible and deepened his commitment to the profession.
 

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Leading the Next Generation

Shawn’s rise to lieutenant is remarkable not only because of his age, but because of how he got there. Shawn was chosen by his peers to step into a leadership role when his company needed it most. His leadership is grounded in responsibility to both his team and the future of the fire service.
 

“If I didn’t take this role, we would have a vacant spot…  I think the next generation needs to step up. Eventually, we have to know how to do these things to keep the company running.” — Shawn

That mindset, combined with his humility and drive, has earned him the respect of his colleagues at the Brentwood Fire Company. Shawn credits much of his character to his mother, whose work ethic and grounded perspective have shaped who he is today. 

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Building a Career While Giving Back

In addition to his volunteer leadership with the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Company, Shawn has secured  an additional, paid position with another local fire company—gaining hands-on experience while continuing to serve his community.

Balancing multiple roles at such a young age reflects both his discipline and his passion. Whether responding to emergencies, training, or mentoring others, Shawn is fully committed to the work.

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Powered by Purpose and Support

Shawn’s success is fueled by determination but also by the support systems around him, including Auberle’s Employment Institute.

The path to becoming a firefighter can be expensive, with testing fees, certifications, and training requirements creating barriers for many. Through the Employment Institute, Shawn received financial support to help cover these costs.

If I see a department that I really want, but what’s holding me back is the testing fees… that support can give someone hope. — Shawn

That support gave him the ability, and confidence, to pursue opportunities that may have otherwise felt out of reach.

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Pioneering a New Path with the Employment Institute

Shawn’s journey didn’t just benefit from the Employment Institute. It helped shape it.

As the program’s first-ever participant pursuing a firefighting career, Shawn and his Case Manager, Ava, worked closely together to chart a path that had never existed before. Ava, stepping into unfamiliar territory, committed herself to researching the field, understanding certification pathways, and identifying opportunities, all while cheering Shawn along. 

Together, they built the foundation for what is now the Employment Institute’s first-ever firefighting career track.

Ava’s willingness to carve this unique track alongside Shawn’s hands-on knowledge created a powerful partnership, one that reflects the very core of the program’s mission: meeting individuals where they are and building pathways tailored to their goals.

This approach is intentional. The Employment Institute is fiercely committed to developing unique career pathways that help individuals fulfill their potential while achieving financial stability, especially in high-demand, hard-to-fill positions like firefighting.

By aligning participant goals with workforce needs, the model goes beyond transforming individual lives. It strengthens organizations and contributes to the long-term workforce development of the region.

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A Partnership Built on Encouragement

At the heart of this journey is a strong, supportive relationship with Shawn’s Emplyment Institute Case Manager, Ava. On his relationship with Ava, Shawn said: 

“From the first time meeting to now, it’s connecting… it feels like I’m working with someone from here onward.” — Shawn

Ava served not only as a resource navigator, but as a sounding board, helping Shawn think through next steps, explore opportunities, and stay motivated. On Shawn’s leadership, Ava said:
 

“He's motivated to do this, and he loves what he's doing. That passion shines through him as a leader… He now has hundreds, possibly thousands of hours of experience. He truly deserves his flowers.” — Ava

Ava’s encouragement amplified Shawn’s resilience and ability to navigate a complex and challenging system.
 

“I've been told many times by both Ava and my mom… if the outcome isn’t exactly what you wanted, remember that you're young and not everyone succeeds on their first try... I’ve got to stop thinking that I have to succeed on my first, second, or even third try, and that I have time. — Shawn

That mindset continues to guide Shawn as he builds his future.

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Inspiring the Next Generation 

For Shawn, firefighting is about more than emergency response. It’s about connection, visibility, and inspiration.

“Connecting with the community is important to me and to our Company. We host an event for kids in the community called ‘Touch the Truck’ that I really like. When the kids get to see how we work, it reminds me of myself at that time. It’s almost like they can't wait to fulfill that dream, just like me a few years ago. I couldn’t wait to do it, either.” 

Through community engagement and mentorship, Shawn is helping spark that same passion in the next generation. 

Shawn Carpenter’s story is still being written. With aspirations to continue advancing in his career and serve at the highest levels of the fire service, he remains focused, grounded, and driven.  Shawn represents what’s possible when determination meets opportunity and resources.
 

“Having a buddy next to you, and helping you along the way to be successful, can help motivate anyone to pursue their goals. If you can’t find everything on your own, you have another resource to guide you. Having that kind of support can really encourage people to keep going. — Shawn

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