From Immigrant Roots to Firefighter Boots: Mauro Samayoa-LaForgia

Published on September 13, 2024

The son of immigrant parents, Maruo Samayo-LaForgia is a current Charlotte Fire recruit.

By Kevin Campbell

Mauro Samayoa-LaForgia, a recruit with the Charlotte Fire Department, is on a mission to serve his community and make a difference. His journey to becoming a firefighter in Charlotte is rooted in a lifelong desire to help others and a deep respect for the values instilled in him by his family.

"I originally was a lifeguard when I was younger and found the love for just helping people, whether I was just watching them swim or assisting in emergencies," said Samayoa-LaForgia. "Coming to Charlotte, everybody always told me that this city was the best, that it was the big leagues, and that's what I wanted to be a part of."

Samayoa-LaForgia training with fellow Charlotte Fire recruits.

Samayoa-LaForgia's path to firefighting began in Rockaway, New Jersey, where he served as a structural firefighter. His dedication to the field grew when he joined the New Jersey State Forestry Service, where he specialized in wildland firefighting. "From there, my love for wildland firefighting kind of took off," he said. "I did a lot of structural stuff, but I did way more wildland stuff. I was assigned to aviation departments and other specialized units."

The drive to serve others, Samayoa-LaForgia explained, is deeply personal. "I'd say it probably goes back to my moms and everything they've done," he shared. "My biological mom is a first-generation immigrant from Guatemala, and my father came here from Colombia. Both achieved their citizenship and worked hard to build a life here. My mom came with 20 bucks, and my dad came with about 100 bucks. To see everything they've achieved has really shaped who I am and my willingness to do anything for anybody as long as I can help."

Samayo-LaForgia is pictured with his moms (l) and his father (r) at his graduation from the fire academy in New Jersey.

This commitment to service is what draws him to the fire department. "I just like the purpose when people are having rough days," Samayoa-LaForgia said. "The ability to go into someone's house and they don't know a single thing about you, but they trust you with their life. That means a lot to me."

As a firefighter recruit in Charlotte, Samayoa-LaForgia has faced challenges but remains steadfast in his commitment. "Charlotte Fire recruit training has been really good. I've had my ups and downs with missing home, but my peers, my classmates, have helped me through thick and thin. Captain Cook has really helped me, and I feel like I can trust everybody here," he said. "I'm making a lot of memories and having fun doing the job."

Samayoa-LaForgia said, “My peers, my classmates, have helped me through thick and thin."

The camaraderie and mutual trust among his fellow recruits have been pivotal in his experience. "It makes me feel comfortable because I know that we're all putting in our effort, and we're hoping that we can trust each other," Samayoa-LaForgia noted. "It's pretty cool to see that we're all going to go to the extent for everybody."

Reflecting on the rigorous training, he emphasized the high standards to which they are held. "Recruit class has been hard work and dedication through thick and thin. We're held to a very high standard, and we all meet that standard and keep pushing for it," he said.

Samayoa-LaForgia and Charlotte Fire Recruit Class 127 are scheduled to graduate in November.

Samayoa-LaForgia's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a profound commitment to service. His parents' journey from humble beginnings to achieving their dreams in the United States serves as a powerful motivator. "Seeing what they've achieved has helped form me into the person I am," he said. "I'm willing to sacrifice my life for somebody I don't know. Not many people can say that unless they're in the fire service or law enforcement. That's what really hits home for me."

As he continues his training, Samayoa-LaForgia looks forward to serving the Charlotte community and making a difference in the lives of those he encounters. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of community, and the impact that one person can have when driven by a genuine desire to help others.