Memorial Scholarship

From the time he was in preschool, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Zeke Urrutia always had the same answer: “Fireman.” His passion for service and helping others was evident from an early age.

Throughout his childhood, Zeke was deeply involved in sports, playing baseball and participating in martial arts. In middle school, he discovered wrestling and pursued it through high school, where he developed discipline, a strong work ethic, and the perseverance to never give up on his dreams.

A proud graduate of Miami-Palmetto Senior High School’s Class of 2020, Zeke wasted no time in turning his childhood dream into reality. That same year, he graduated from the MDC Fire Academy and went on to earn his paramedic certification, from American Medical Academy Paramedic School. While working full-time as a paramedic for MCT Express Ambulance Service, he remained steadfast in his goal of becoming a firefighter, actively applying to multiple South Florida fire departments.

Zeke had the heart of a servant, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He believed deeply that saving lives was the most honorable calling one could have.

On January 9, 2025, Zeke’s dreams were tragically cut short when he was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs on the Florida Turnpike. The impact, at an extremely high speed, took his life instantly.

To honor his memory and legacy, the Zeke Urrutia Firefighter Scholarship has been established to support aspiring firefighters who share his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others. This scholarship aims to assist individuals pursuing careers in fire service and emergency response, ensuring that Zeke’s dream of saving lives continues through those who follow in his footsteps.

For more information: 

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Scholarship Honors MDC Fire Academy Alumnus Killed In Wrong-Way Crash