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Youth Development

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”data:image/svg+xml;base64,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” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#8A8C8E” text_font_size=”11px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]”Girl Explorer Picture”[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Fire Foundation is placing an increasing emphasis on our county’s youth, sponsoring life changing programs to solve three community – wide problems with one comprehensive solution.
 

  1. San Diego County continues to grow, adding new fire stations and firefighters. At the same time, long-time firefighters are retiring, and the pipeline of new recruits is drying up.
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  3. For the youth that are finishing high school contemplating their future, a career in public safety offers many different career paths: EMT, paramedic, firefighter, fire marshal, etc. This issue is especially prevalent in underserved communities. Finishing high school with a solid career path will change the trajectory of a student’s life.
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  5. The fire service has a variety of career opportunities and is struggling to get its firefighters to “look more like the communities they serve.”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Fire Foundation is creating awareness of the variety of career opportunities by working with high schools, community colleges, and fire departments to develop in-school and after-school programs to:

The first step in a fire service career is to obtain a EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification. Students can begin this effort in high school by taking EMT prep classes and the in-school fire academy. Under this program, students would complete their EMT course equipment at a community college and be ready to take the EMT certification examination and receive an EMT license at age 18….. ready to begin a very rewarding career in the fire service or medical field.

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The Fire Foundation also supports Explorer Programs at fire departments where youth experience firsthand working at a fire station and what it takes to be a firefighter. From Explorer to Chief…read the story about North County Fire Chief Keith McReynolds.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://sdfirefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-County-Fire-Protection-District-Palomar-College-Fire-Academy-Graduation-Chief-Keith-McReynolds-includes-his-son-Connor-12.14.21-scaled-e1643929627246-1024×698.jpg” title_text=”North County Fire Protection District Palomar College Fire Academy Graduation- Chief Keith McReynolds – includes his son Connor – 12.14.21″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#8A8C8E” text_font_size=”11px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]North County Fire Chief Keith McReynolds pictured at the North County Fire Protection District Palomar College Fire Academy Graduation.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

“I joined the North County Fire Explorer Program in fall of 1990. As a Fire Explorer I immediately developed a passion for the fire service and, the North County Fire Protection District. Through ride-a-longs and weekly trainings I learned what the fire service was all about and, the importance of dedication and professionalism. After spending a few years in the Explorer Program and graduating from Vista High School in 1992, I began attending Palomar College where I completed EMT training and general education. I was hired as a Reserve/Firefighter with North County in 1994. I went on to complete Paramedic training and the Palomar College 11th Basic Fire Academy and was hired with North County Fire as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1996.

Shortly after being hired, I had a desire to begin giving back to the Explorer Program, so I decided to be a program advisor. For seven years I lead North County Fire Explorer Post #2740. It was during those years that I truly developed the leadership skills that I would carry with me through the rest of my career. I spent ten years as a Fire Captain, two years as a Battalion Chief, two years as an Administrative Battalion Chief, two years as a Division Chief, and in 2021 I was promoted to Fire Chief, all with North County Fire.

Fire Explorer Programs work. They give young people the opportunity to gain exposure to a fascinating and exciting career. Through learning and development, Explorer Programs are a gateway to one of the most rewarding careers in the world. Beyond the fire service, there are many other Explorer Programs available including law enforcement.”

Keith McReynolds
Fire Chief
NCPD

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The Fire Foundation also supports Explorer Programs at fire departments where youth experience firsthand working at a fire station and what it takes to be a firefighter. From Explorer to Chief…read the story about North County Fire Chief Keith McReynolds.

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