HFC alumnus is Michigan’s first known EMT to serve while in foster care
HFC alumnus Kenneth Lee Isaacson, a firefighter/paramedic for the Detroit Fire Department (DFD), has vivid memories of May 10, 2025.
It was the day of his graduation from HFC, and also the day he earned a special tribute from Governor Gretchen Whitmer for being the first person in Michigan to serve as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while in foster care.
“I had my duty uniform on underneath my cap and gown,” recalled Isaacson, of Dearborn Heights. “That was a good day! I got my degree in the morning, and the governor’s tribute in the afternoon. We had a party that day. People came from all over to hear of my accomplishments, including HFC faculty members). Some people have to wait a lifetime for a moment like this.”
Isaacson's achievement was also formally recognized with a Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, acknowledging the historical significance of Isaacson’s accomplishments and his ongoing commitment to service.
“My journey to this milestone has been extraordinary,” said Isaacson. “Despite tremendous challenges, I became the first known person in Michigan (and possibly in the United States) to serve as a licensed EMT while still in foster care. It wasn’t my goal to make history. It was my goal to have a purposeful adulthood and a career I could be proud of.”
Senator Elissa Slotkin also sent Isaacson a letter of commendation.
“This is an incredible achievement, one that makes you an inspiration and role model for so many children in the foster care system,” wrote Slotkin. “Thank you for your selfless service to your community and your willingness to help out where it is most needed. Your work as a first responder has made your community and our entire state a safer and better place.”
Determined to beat the odds
Isaacson was born in Perm, Russia, where he was orphaned at birth. He lived in a Russian orphanage until he was 2. He was adopted and immigrated to the U.S. in 2002 and lived in Dearborn Heights until he was 15. His adoptive family faced numerous challenges, including health and monetary problems, which ultimately led to him entering Michigan’s foster care system. He remained in the system until he reached the maximum age of 19.
Isaacson graduated from Marshall High School. MHS was one of 11 high schools and educational programs he attended while in foster care. After high school, he attended the Schoolcraft College Fire Academy, then enrolled at HFC, where he earned:
- An associate degree in firefighter/paramedic
- A certificate of achievement in paramedic
- A certificate of achievement in EMT-Basic
In March 2025, he was hired as part of the 90th Academy Class for the DFD, where he was the only paramedic.
“Paramedic Cadet Isaacson was part of DFD Cadet Class 90,” said DFD Captain Joseph Barney, his supervising officer. “From the start, it was evident by the level of knowledge exhibited in class that he received excellent training and instruction. HFC did an outstanding job preparing this young man for the rigorous field of EMS.”
Isaacson spoke about why he chose to become a firefighter.
“Growing up in foster care, I didn’t have too many heroes to look up to when I was alone and vulnerable. Being a firefighter, I have a chance to protect people and take care of them and comfort them in a time of their greatest vulnerability,” he said. “The stats of getting out of foster care and earning a high school diploma are difficult, to say nothing of a college degree. Even though the odds weren’t in my favor, I was determined to beat them.”
Living his dream job
Isaacson explained why he chose HFC.
“I did the research, talking to other EMTs and first responders about their training and looking at graduation stats. I found that HFC had the greatest success rate for paramedic training in the Metro Detroit area. It earned a 100% pass rate on the national registry. I heard great things about the faculty. I wanted to learn from the best. I wanted to attend the toughest program so I could be the best paramedic and give to others what I didn’t have growing up: safety and comfort.”
Isaacson’s career began as an EMT for four years in the private ambulance sector. He became a reserve firefighter with the Ecorse Fire Department in 2021, serving for nearly a year. He has been a firefighter/paramedic with the DFD for one year.
“This is my dream job! I’m living my dream!” he said. “No fire department in Michigan is busier than Detroit, which has 37 firehouses. Detroit paramedics are the best in the state, and I wanted to see how I could stack up against the best. My captain even credited HFC for training me for this job.”
“I am very happy for Kenneth and glad that we could be a part of his journey,” said HFC Paramedic Program Director Shannon Bruley.
“Becoming the paramedic my instructors would want taking care of them”
Isaacson credited HFC for where he is today.
“HFC played an essential role in helping me reach this point. The education, training, and mentorship I received prepared me for both the challenges of the fire service and the opportunities to give back to my community,” he said. “You’ve heard the saying that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. It can seem really overwhelming – your classes, your workload. My advice to HFC students: Break it into smaller steps. Focus on having a great semester. If that’s too much, focus on making it to midterms or completing the assignments for class that week. If you focus on those little steps, they will all lead up to the bigger picture and you will graduate from HFC.”
Isaacson continued: “The HFC faculty is amazing. You can be struggling in class, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort and are serious about it, they will help you. My instructors recognized my potential and pushed me beyond the national standards to become the paramedic they’d want to have take care of them. ‘I know you can do this!’ they said. I don’t think I would’ve passed the national registry exam on the first try if not for the Bruleys, and I wouldn’t be successful at DFD so far if I had gone to school somewhere else.”
Learning about Isaacson’s journey really made HFC Interim President Dr. Lori Gonko’s week.
“Students like you are the reason we do what we do,” said Gonko. “At HFC, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and your journey is a powerful testament to that belief. We are proud to count you among our HFC Hawks! I wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for your service to the City of Detroit.”
“Kid Santa” and a mentor to foster youth
Beyond serving in the DFD, Isaacson also mentors foster youth through the Judson Center, a social services organization in Royal Oak.
“I want to help them discover pathways into careers in emergency services. I am working to open doors for foster youth across Michigan to pursue training as firefighters and EMTs, ensuring that others who share my background can achieve stability, purpose, and pride in public service,” explained Isaacson. “I want to share with them what I did and if I can do it, so can they. I didn’t have a mentor growing up; I had to learn from trying and failing. I want to give back to them the best way that I can.”
Isaacson is known for giving back to the community, particularly to children in need, around Michigan. He uses his overtime pay and donations to purchase toys to give to the underprivileged as “Kid Santa.” This upcoming holiday season will be his eighth playing Kid Santa. His efforts caught the attention of the media and he appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan in 2020. Isaacson’s story was also featured on a Jersey Mike’s commercial in 2022 as a “Sub Above-r.”
“I know what it’s like to be alone on Christmas and not get any gifts. That happened to me when I was 16 and I wasn’t allowed to go home. Like many in the foster system, I felt cut off from the rest of the world,” he said. “I started this when I was 17 because nobody, especially children, should have to spend Christmas alone. I would buy as many toys as I could to give to children at homeless shelters. The mission of Kid Santa is to deliver gifts to children across a single night in the Michigan. I’m honored to be able to give people a Christmas.”