Integrity, strength, courage, flexibility and adaptability are the attributes that Captain Darren Hall used to describe professional firefighters at Miramar college on April 29th as 32 candidates graduated from the Fire Technology and Emergency Technician Firefighter Academy. Captain Hall is the San Diego Miramar College Fire Technology FIPT Program Chair / Director and is proud of the graduates for completing the eleven courses that meet the requirements for the State Fire Academy and Cal Fire Basic Academy.
As part of SDG&E’s commitment to support education and workforce partnerships that provide economic opportunities for diverse and under-represented populations, San Diego Gas and Electric’s Community Relations team coordinated a SAFE San Diego grant award for Miramar College that was presented at the graduation ceremony.
The $10,000 grant will be used to support low-income students enrolled in the technology of fire protection, rescue, and public safety programs. “It is inspiring to see young men and women standing at the front door of a wonderful career path,” said SDG&E Fire Coordinator, Michael Rottenberg, who received his Associate of Science in Fire Technology from Miramar College and spoke at the graduation ceremony.
“This program is such an important part of preparing people for careers in the fire service,” said Rottenberg. “I personally benefited from my Miramar College education in preparing me to enter the fire service in the late 70s at the beginning of my 33+yrs in the Fire Service. The college and its programs directly benefited me again decades later in my role as Fire Chief for the City of Santee.”
Fire Academy candidates are required to complete rigorous skills testing and written exams to meet the competency-based certification within the state and national model.
“Since 1969 SD Miramar college has prepared firefighters and public safety personnel for a variety of challenges,” said Captain Hall. “I am proud that this graduating class consists of parents, former college athletes, Military Veterans and students on track to complete their AA degree. Several have already accepted job offers and are excited to put their recent education to good use.”
The application period for both the Full-Time Fall of 2022 and Part-Time Fall and Spring Firefighter 1 Academies will be June 15 - July 10, 2022. For more information about the Academy and how to apply click here.