VICTORVILLE, CA — Less than a year after coming online, the fire department here has established a Fire Internship Program with Victor Valley College aimed at developing the next generation of firefighters who will serve the community.
Graduates of VVC's Firefighter I Academy are eligible to compete for six year-long internships where they will work side-by-side with Victorville Fire Department firefighters.
VVC's Fire Technology Program Director Heath Cohen said the program is honored to partner with the newly relaunched, city-run fire department to "enhance the career pathway for our Firefighter I Academy graduates."
"The Fire Internship Program will ensure that the legacy of providing highly trained fire service professionals for our hometown fire department is carried well into the future," Cohen said.
The inaugural class of interns includes Joey Dowling, Chase Dowty, Nick Farina, Duncan Harriman, Steven Odein and Brandon Pound, according to a City of Victorville statement.
All six interns enter the internship program as state certified Firefighter Is after graduating the Victor Valley College Accredited Fire Academy. They will gain valuable hands-on work experience while continuing to earn college credits.
Interns who successfully complete the program will be certified as Firefighter IIs, making them more competitive for jobs in the fire service.
"We are proud of our Victorville Fire Department for delivering on its promise to develop this fire internship program, and we are grateful to (VVC) for partnering with us to ensure a pipeline of homegrown talent is available to serve our community as Victorville firefighters," Mayor Gloria Garcia said. "Programs like this not only strengthen our fire department, they help us build a strong Victorville."
In the coming weeks, Victorville Fire will launch its Fire Explorer Program for high school students, the statement said. Victorville Fire Explorers will have a chance to learn about fire service careers, train with firefighters, develop leadership skills and participate in community-related events.
Applications will be available at local high schools and City Hall in March. High School students, and any applicant ages 15 to 21, are welcome to compete for 30 Fire Explorer positions.
Victorville Fire personnel also mentor students through the Victorville Police & Fire Activity League, which promotes fitness and discipline via its boxing league. The league plans to add additional sports like soccer and mixed martial arts in the coming months.
The history of the Victorville Fire Department dates back to 1926 when the Victorville County Fire Protection District was established. The Victorville Volunteer Fire Department was later established in 1930. In 1976, approximately 14 years after Victorville was incorporated, control of the Victorville Fire Protection District was assumed by the City of Victorville.
In March 2019, the city re-established its fire department after contracting with San Bernardino County for fire services for 10 years. The Victorville Fire Department is staffed with 60 personnel, and the department is led by Fire Chief Greg Benson.
For additional information about the Victorville Fire Department and its various training programs, call Battalion Chief Washington at 760-951-8722.
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