Sean Sullivan
Sean Sullivan
Class Year
’02
Current home
Joliet, Illinois
Major(s)
Communication
Current Position
Fire Inspector/Plan Reviewer for the Downers Grove Fire Department
Sean Sullivan ’02 majored in communication and was a student-athlete on the baseball team. After Carthage, he became a firefighter and paramedic, earning multiple life-saving awards and a unit citation award from the State of Illinois for bravery in the line of duty. After facing a critical injury, he got a new job as lead fire inspector and plan reviewer. In his current role, Mr. Sullivan inspects all commercial occupancies in the Village of Downers Grove annually. He works with general contractors on new developments in town to ensure safety by enforcing adopted village, international, and national codes.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I spent 10 years as a firefighter/paramedic in the south suburbs of Chicago but suffered a career-ending injury. Although that career was dangerous and physically and mentally taxing, it was very rewarding. After recovery, I was declared disabled from my injuries. However, I knew that I still wanted to make an impact in the community as a public servant. Working for a fire prevention bureau was the most logical transition. I enjoy working with firefighters, fire department and village administration, business owners, general contractors, and people within the community to make Downers Grove a safer place.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Learning such a broad knowledge base and developing critical thinking skills was essential to my success in the working world. Being a part of the baseball team at Carthage also helped me realize that goals are more easily achieved through a team-effort approach.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“Knowledge is power, and Carthage laid a solid foundation for me to succeed even years later. Being able to communicate in two languages effectively is an advantage. The ability to write concisely and articulately is very necessary in my field. And public speaking and having the capability to clearly relay a message is a crucial skill as well.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I was initially recruited by Coach Tim Rucks to play football, but my first and preferred sport was baseball. I talked with Coach Augie Schmidt, who allowed me to play on the baseball team. The campus location is beautiful, and overall, it felt right.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“The one-on-one support given by my professors was priceless. Professors Jon Bruning, Pascal Rollet, Eric Kulke, Salome Yelamos, Bibiana Fuentes, and Esther Alvarez were very helpful with my education. Coach Augie Schmidt also taught me a lot while I played baseball there. I thank those who truly cared because they made a difference in my life in some way, shape, or form.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Attend every class and listen. Talk to people from various walks of life, especially if it’s out of your comfort zone. If you don’t need or care for a class, consistently participate and share your experience with the group. Together, we all achieve more.”