Fire cadets strut their stuff
To provide an up-close look at how its cadets train, the Verdugo Fire Academy of Glendale Community College hosted an open house for the school’s faculty and staff on Thursday in which three fire trucks and equipment were displayed and demonstrations were performed.
“This is an opportunity to show the new (college) president, and those that don’t see us around, what we do,” said Sam DiGiovanna, chief of the fire academy, referring to David Viar, who recently assumed the top job at the college.
Graduates of the academy complete 900 hours of hands-on and academic training over the course of a year as they follow a curriculum approved by the California State Fire Marshal.
There are currently 45 cadets in the program. Those graduating this January will become the college’s 16th class to have completed the program.
Those who come out of the academy often move on to work for fire departments in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena and surrounding communities, DiGiovanna said.
The academy’s two fire engines and ladder truck were donated by the Glendale Fire Department, a main sponsor of the program.
“It’s a nice time, now that we have all the equipment together to showcase,” DiGiovanna said. “The cadets are very excited to show off what they do.”
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Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
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