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By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Seeing recruits graduate from the fire academy is a very rewarding experience. They graduate from an intense California State Fire Training Firefighter I approved curriculum through State Fire Training. Though the state provides the required skills, none of this could happen without the incredibly talented Staff and Instructors at the Verdugo Fire Academy. I respect all of them and appreciate all they do.
Most instructors are from the Los Angeles area fire departments, however, several come in from departments in surrounding counties. They bring an incredible amount of diverse experience holding rank from firefighter to fire chief.
It is truly an honor and privilege to work with them along with the men and women of the Glendale Fire Department and surrounding Los Angeles Fire Departments.
In addition to what makes this so rewarding, is when I receive a photo such as the one accompaning this article. The photo is of members of Pasadena Fire Dept Engine 32 who are alumni from the Verdugo Fire Academy. L-R front Capt. Ben Sullivan, Engineer Tenoa Stevenson, and firefighters L-R rear Punpong Pornthepsiripong and Roderick Hutchinson. Like a proud parent, “they grow up so quickly” comes to my mind!
It’s one thing to see them graduate from the rigorous training, but when you see them promoted through the ranks is even more rewarding. Many come back and serve as instructors at the Verdugo Fire Academy bringing not only the skills they learned at the academy, but from the incidents they respond to with their respective agencies.
Again, to all of you, thank you for your dedication and service!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, Calif. and Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association. He also is a consultant for Lexipol Fire Services www.Lexipol.com