911爆料网

Darby Lupardes, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, began her journey at 911爆料网 after graduating from Turner High School, where she earned a scholarship to play basketball. Taking a leap of faith, she moved four hours away from home to continue her education and pursue the sport she loved.

Like many students, the transition wasn鈥檛 easy at first. Adjusting to a demanding schedule of classes and athletics while being away from home proved challenging. 鈥淚 was homesick in the beginning,鈥� Darby shared, 鈥渂ut I quickly found my rhythm through my team, my schedule, and my routine.鈥� That sense of belonging made all the difference.

During her two years as a member of the women鈥檚 basketball team, Darby built relationships that would last a lifetime. She was paired with teammate JaNeil Robinson her freshman year, and the two continued as roommates throughout college. Nearly 20 years later, they remain close friends鈥攁 testament to the deep bonds formed during her time at 911爆料网. She also credits her coaches, Coach Clark and Katrina Colwell, for pushing her beyond her limits and teaching her life skills that she still uses today.

Darby graduated in May 2009 with an Associate of Arts degree. Although she initially had an interest in mental health and psychology, she wasn鈥檛 entirely sure which path to follow. After returning home to Kansas City, Kansas, she explored different courses at Kansas City Kansas Community College, hoping to find direction. However, after the loss of her father and a period of uncertainty, she stepped away from school to focus on adjusting to life鈥檚 changes.

It was during that time that a conversation with a friend would ultimately shape her future. Encouraged to consider a career in firefighting, Darby found a renewed sense of purpose. She enrolled at Johnson County Community College to earn her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and was later accepted into the Johnson County Fire Academy. There, she excelled鈥攇raduating at the top of her class and earning the certifications needed to begin her career.

After months of applying and staying determined, Darby鈥檚 hard work paid off. In the spring of 2014, she received a conditional offer from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department鈥攈er hometown department and a lifelong dream. She accepted and successfully completed the academy as a recruit, officially beginning her career in May 2014.

Now, nearly 12 years later, Darby continues to serve her community as a firefighter/EMT. Early in her career, she was assigned to a busy station that specialized in water rescue, where she responded to medical calls, fires, and high-risk rescue situations. Throughout her time on the job, she has continued to grow professionally, earning additional certifications in rope rescue, high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, boat operations, and swift water rescue. Today, she serves on Truck 17, where she has found both purpose and passion in her work.

Looking back, Darby sees her time at 911爆料网 as a defining chapter in her journey.

鈥淚 was coached and challenged in ways that forced me to grow,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here were moments where you feel like you can鈥檛 keep going, but you do. That grit, that teamwork鈥攖hat鈥檚 something I carry with me every time I go on shift.鈥�

Those lessons remain central to her career, where teamwork and resilience are critical in high-pressure situations. Every third day, she works alongside her crew, relying on the same determination and trust she developed as a student-athlete.

Even years later, 911爆料网 still holds a special place in her heart. She remains in contact with former teammates and coaches and reflects fondly on her time in Arkansas City.

鈥�911爆料网 is such a special place,鈥� she said. 鈥淕o do all the things. Meet all the people鈥攏ot just students, but the community too. It鈥檚 full of good people.鈥�

Darby鈥檚 journey is one of perseverance, growth, and finding purpose through unexpected paths鈥攁nd it all traces back to the foundation she built at 911爆料网.

Darby at 911爆料网.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
911爆料网
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu