MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – To say that 23-year-old Evan Staples has been busy would be an understatement, as he has been charting multiple courses and conquering them all while many young adults are still finding their way. "A bunch of big things kind of all collided in the same time frame, but it worked out," Staples said. His year began with a personal challenge: stepping into the world of competitive bodybuilding, and determined to push his limits, Staples spent three grueling months preparing for a natural bodybuilding competition (Scroll down for video and more details).

 

 

Driven by a passion to give back, Staples pursued a career in firefighting, joining the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) as a fire recruit.

 

“I wanted to give back to my community and serve the people that live in Murfreesboro,” he said.

While balancing the demands of the fire academy, Staples also had another goal in mind: finishing his degree at Middle Tennessee State University.

 

“We started the fire academy in August, and at the same time, I started my last year at MTSU. I had four classes left, and I just wanted to get it done,” Staples explained.

 

Initially a business management major, Staples had a change of heart midway through his studies.

“I decided I wanted to do something more in the servant industry rather than a self-seeking job just for money,” he said.

 

In the midst of college and fire academy training, Staples took another significant step in his personal life—getting engaged.

 

“I proposed to my girlfriend in September,” he said.

 

Soon after, he graduated from MTSU and traded his cap and gown for an MFRD uniform, officially joining the ranks as part of Fire Academy Class 2024-02.

 

Now, as a firefighter, Staples says he has found his true calling.

 

“I love running calls,” he said. “Sometimes they're a little rough, but you get to meet someone and intercede on their behalf on their worst day. Even if it's just bringing comfort, that means something.”

Staples has no plans to leave Murfreesboro, calling it his home for the long term.

 

“I definitely plan on being in Murfreesboro for the long haul,” he said.

 

For young people chasing their dreams, his advice is simple:

 

“Don’t get caught up in the moment. There are a lot of things in the world meant to distract us and take us off our goals.”

 

His motivation comes from his strong support system—his family, fiancée, and his faith.

 

“Knowing that I have people who believe in me and support me was the biggest reason I kept going,” Staples shared.

 

One of his biggest sources of inspiration is permanently etched on his skin—a tattoo of Romans 5:3:

 

“Suffering produces perseverance,” he said. “Just knowing that hard times work in your favor to create better qualities in you so you can make it for the long haul.”

 

From bodybuilding to firefighting, college to engagement, 2024 was a year of victories for Evan Staples. And now, as a firefighter in Murfreesboro, he’s ready to keep moving forward—one call at a time.