Fighting Fire with Fiers: An Alumna Gives Back as a Franklin Fire First Responder
Kiah Fiers (’10) never imagined that she would one day be battling flames that threatened her alma mater. But the traits she mastered on the volleyball court as a student-athlete were now a part of her daily experience as a firefighter for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The perseverance, teamwork, and determination that she developed at Pepperdine were integral to her career.
Fiers’ journey to firefighting wasn’t a straightforward path. After graduating from Pepperdine with a degree in psychology, she ventured into business, only to realize she wanted something more dynamic. With a family history deeply rooted in firefighting—her father, uncle, and brother-in-law all serving in the profession—she found herself drawn to the challenge and purpose it offered.
Kiah Fiers with her parents at her paramedic school graduation
"I have always been an active person, and after a brief stint in the corporate world, I realized it wasn't for me," Fiers recalls. "Watching my brother-in-law graduate from the Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy was a pivotal moment. Seeing the students’ well-rehearsed exhibition of skills like rappelling, helicopter operations, and fire suppression—I was hooked!"
Family influence wasn't the only factor that prepared Fiers for the demands of firefighting. As a Seaver College psychology major, she learned how to respond to individuals in crisis. In the classroom, she gained insight into environmental factors influencing fire behavior, particularly through the teachings of professor Chris Doran (’98, MDiv ’02), professor of religion and the founder of Pepperdine's sustainability program. On the volleyball court, under the guidance of coaches Nina Matthies and Marcio Sicoli, she built the resilience and mental strength necessary to thrive in a physically and emotionally demanding career.
A fierce athlete, Fiers earned All-West Coast Conference honors throughout her four-year volleyball career at Pepperdine. She accumulated 4,410 assists, placing her second in Pepperdine's all-time records [recently broken by Isabel Zelaya (’24) in 2023]. In 2007, during her sophomore year, Fiers averaged 12.82 assists per set, ranking third on the all-time list in the University’s record books.
Kiah Fiers
“Sports taught me that my body can do amazing things and to make sure I know my limits,” Fiers shares. “It's important in firefighting to know your edge in case you get in a position where you are almost at that breaking point. It's important to acknowledge that, as it could mean life or death.”
Those lessons came full circle when she found herself battling the Franklin Fire in December 2024, a blaze that threatened the Malibu community, including her former campus.
"It was surreal," Fiers says. "Driving through Malibu Canyon and seeing it burn was heartbreaking.”
Seeing the wildfires come dangerously close to Pepperdine was an emotional experience for Fiers. However, amid the destruction and devastation, she found a deep sense of purpose and pride in her role as a firefighter, knowing she was able to give back to the community that had profoundly shaped her.
“A particularly powerful moment for me was when my crew and I were working to save a house with a clear view of Pepperdine’s campus,” Fiers remembers. “It was a home close to the apartments where I had lived during my sophomore year. As we were overhauling the roof, ensuring that no lingering embers could reignite, the sun began to rise over the coastline. Standing there, after successfully saving that home, and looking out at my alma mater in the morning light was an unforgettable experience.”
While Fiers is passionate about her career, she recognizes that it may not be the best choice for everyone. She encourages those interested in firefighting to do their due diligence and explore opportunities that can help them determine if it’s the right profession for them. "Talk to professionals, visit fire stations, go on ride-alongs, and see if it’s the right fit for you.”