Fire-Education.com

Thirty-two graduates received Firefighter I Certifications recently at the Crafton Hills College (CHC) 65th Basic Firefighter Academy graduation.

The graduates completed an 12-week course based on requirements established by the state Fire Marshall’s Office.  The academy cadets learned the basics of firefighting, including getting their first hands on experience extinguishing fires.

The 65th Fire Academy’s motto and rallying cry was “Bring the heat,” which referred to bringing everything they had within themselves to accomplish the task at hand.

“This past 12 weeks, the cadets have learned about pride, duty, honor, and tradition,” CHC academy graduate and class leader Derick Himle told the audience. “We have had ups and downs, but we always managed to work it out. I feel we have grown as a family.  Today we graduate as 31 brothers and one sister.”

“Your sons and daughters have shown why they want to become firefighters,” he said.  “You as parents should be proud of them.”

“The goal of the 65th Academy is to be the best,” he said. “We will face each day with confidence.”

In a tribute to a job well done by the cadets, Himle closed his presentation by calling out to his fellow classmates, “Academy 65, we brought the heat and we will keep on bringing it!”

Also speaking was Captain John Bendick, retired captain from the New York Fire Department.

Bendick emphasized that firefighting is a job that requires continuing education.

“We can take our knowledge and give it to them constantly,” he said.  “When we go out, anything can happen.  Make sure these young men and women are trained to think and take care of themselves.”

“Fire departments are built on tradition,” he said.  “We’re in public service. We’re there for everyone. “

Bendick noted the loss of life in New York during 9/11 and the recent loss of the firefighters in this area.  He told how after the large losses in New York, firefighters came from all over the nation “especially California so we were allowed to honor and show the respect to our fallen brothers the way we should.”

“Firefighters are a team,” he said. “These people here tonight are going to join a team.  No one can put a fire out by themselves.”

He told the cadets they will go to work together, live together and eat together. He talked about always taking care of each other and each other’s families

“We take care of our own,” Bendick said.

The CHC Fire Academy is part of a comprehensive CHC Fire Technology Program.

Fire Academy students interested in continuing their education have the opportunity to earn two-year associate degrees in CHC’s Fire Technology Program and can transfer to four-year colleges to earn baccalaureate degrees in fire science related fields such as fire protection administration.

Fire Academy graduates are required to have Emergency Medical I Certificates because many calls are for medical emergencies.

Also, those interested in earning their Paramedic Certificates can attend CHC’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Program, considered one of the finest Emergency Medical Services programs in the state.

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