After almost 600 hours of classroom and manipulative skills training, class 122 and class 124 of the Allan Hancock College Fire Academy had reason to celebrate at their graduation ceremony on May 20.
Forty-eight men and women gathered at the Calvary Chapel of Santa Maria on Santa Maria Way before a packed audience of family and friends. The cadets proved they met or exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.
Andy Densmore, coordinator for the Fire Academy, led the ceremony.
“Today we are confident and proud of our efforts,” he said.
He explained how each cadet had to score a minimum of 80 percent on all classroom examinations, give no less than 100 percent in skills training, and complete a pass-or-fail final examination of their ability to learn firefighting skills during the nine-month period.
Some of the topics of instruction for firefighter certification include fire control, hose and ladder evolutions, fire preventions and investigation, and firefighter survival/rapid intervention techniques.
Densmore said it was inevitable that the academy lose a few cadets along the way, but this gives more reason to celebrate those who were able to complete their instruction at the academy.
Hancock’s Superintendent/President José M. Ortiz reiterated the importance of the training and education the cadets received, saying the role of a firefighter is pertinent in society, even in the face of challenges, such as state budget cuts.
“Public safety is public priority,” Ortiz said.
Other speakers at the ceremony—such as guest speaker Fire Chief Robert Lewin of the Cal Fire-San Luis Obispo County Fire Department—stressed the familial nature of firefighting.
“I am fond of saying the fire service is a family of families,” Lewin said, addressing the cadets. “During this academy, you have worked to exhaustion in drills and in tests. You trained over and over with each other, and you, too, began to feel this kinship.”
After each individual cadet was honored, Densmore handed out special awards. Paul Britton IV of class 122 and Jesse Quintana of class 124 were both deemed “Most Improved,” and Dane Lindstrom of class 122 and class 124 president William Stallcup received valedictorian honors for averaging more than 100 percent academically, including extra credit.
Both classes voted on awards for “Outstanding Cadet,” which went to class 122 cadet Sean Moynihan and class 124 cadet Clay Faulkner. “Most Motivated” went to Jorge Pulido and Jesse Quintana.
Densmore ended the ceremony by giving the cadets advice for their future careers and endeavors, stating that first impressions are everything.
“Maintain your momentum, and put yourself in the position to succeed,” he said.
This week’s School Scene was compiled by Intern Sarah Parr. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 2, 2011.
