When Chapman University graduate Mo Hijazi was looking for a way to give back, he found the perfect opportunity with the Orange City
Fire Department — an experience that not only allowed him to serve the community but also opened the door for future Chapman volunteers.
A 2024 biology graduate and member of the Chapman University First Aid Team, Hijazi became the first Chapman student to serve as an Orange City Fire Department Reserve volunteer after touring a department facility. “I was looking for an opportunity to serve the community,” he said.
Throughout his volunteer service, Hijazi visited elementary schools, senior living communities, and other local organizations, educating residents about fire safety while encouraging careers in public service. The experience also allowed him to represent Chapman beyond campus. “It was a good opportunity to show the community what Chapman students are about.”
“Mo was a great volunteer fi re prevention reserve who was incredibly reliable and a very humble person,” said Robert DeSimone of the Orange City Fire Department. “Each year, we award one of our reserves the ‘Reserve of the Year Award,’ and due to Mo’s outstanding character, he was voted Reserve of the Year in 2023.”
Before completing his volunteer service in May, Hijazi encouraged the department to recruit more Chapman students, helping create new
opportunities for future volunteers.
