Redlands Daily Facts

REDLANDS, Calif. — Crafton Hills College graduated 32 students with Firefighter I certifications at the 67th basic Firefighter Academy this month.

The graduates completed an 11-week course based on requirements established by the California Fire Marshal's Office. The academy cadets learned the basics of firefighting, including getting their first hands-on experience extinguishing fires.

Fire Academy Class Leader Michael McCuistion described to the audience the cadets' disciplined training, including running up mountains, running 12-mile courses, spending nights shining boots, ironing clothes, doing homework and waking up at 4 a.m. to start all over again.

McCuistion said that, in addition to learning about how to raise a ladder, pull hose, ventilate a building and how to attack a fire, they learned about "dedication, determination, pride, integrity, and teamwork."

"Our instructors told us that anyone can learn how to throw up a ladder or pull a hose, but it takes a person with a heart who wants to serve and give back to the community to truly be a firefighter."

"They have taught us the importance to take pride in everything we do and to leave things better than we have received them," McCuistion said. "Each of us will take the principles we have learned from this academy into our everyday lives because good firefighters cannot put on and off these character qualities when they put on and take off their turncoats."

Also speaking to the cadets was Pat Dennen, San Bernardino County Fire Department chief.

"When asked to be the keynote speaker recently, I jumped at the opportunity because, to me, it was an opportunity to be one of the first to welcome each of you to the greatest profession in the world," Dennen told the cadets. "I can think of no greater calling than those who choose to dedicate their lives to rendering aid to others during their time of need."

Having experienced the many changes in fire service during his 30 years on the job, Dennen advised the cadets to "embrace change." He noted that among the many positive changes during his career was the establishment of Emergency Medical Services and the Incident Command System; the introduction of female firefighters, who have become a critical element in the service; the requirement to learn about hazardous materials; unified command (working together); disaster preparedness; and more.

"Every one of these challenges was an opportunity that better prepared us for the future and the next challenge," he said.

Dennen also emphasized the importance of attitude. He told a story about once observing a battalion chief who was handling a multitude of problems during a very busy day. He commented to the chief that it looked like he was having a bad day.

"Are you kidding?" smiled the battalion chief. "This is what I was trained for."

Dennen noted that rather than allowing a multitude of crisis situations to overcome him, the battalion chief chose to relish them.

Dennen quoted an unknown author, "We must always change, renew and rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise, we harden."

Dennen advised the cadets to do everything with enthusiasm.

"It's contagious," he said.

The Crafton Hills College Fire Academy is part of the college's comprehensive fire technology program and serves as the regional training center for firefighters in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Fire Academy students interested in continuing their education have the opportunity to earn two-year associate degrees in Crafton'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 Crafton's emergency medical technician-paramedic program, considered one of the finest emergency medical services programs in the nation.

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