Con Fire Adds 24 Firefighters In Historic Academy Graduation

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District graduated its 52nd Firefighter Academy Thursday Feb. 14, adding 24 new firefighters to its ranks. The event included a badging ceremony and swearing-in for the new firefighters who join fire companies across the district next week, according to Con Fire Spokesman Steve Hill.

"These firefighters join the district at an especially important time as the California wildland fire
season continues to evolve — seemingly longer and more destructive each year," Hill said in a news release.

The new crew members also come as the fire protection district is poised to open an additional fire station and increase the size of some crews from three to four firefighters, Hill noted.

Thursday's graduation was also a historic occasion because it was the first accredited firefighter academy in the history of the district.

"The District’s Training Division earned Accredited Local Academy (ALA) status from the California State Fire Marshal late last year, making it one of only about 20 such academies statewide," Hill said.

ABOUT CON FIRE

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) — a recognized fire service leader — provides fire and emergency medical services to more than a million people across its 304-square-mile District area, and through mutual aid, in and around the 20 cities and
unincorporated communities of Contra Costa County, California. With few exceptions, county emergency ambulance transport services are provided by Con Fire through its unique subcontractor Alliance model. In 2017, the District responded to nearly 74,000 fire and EMS emergencies and provided expert medical care on more than 75,000 ambulance transports. The District, with 25 fire stations and more than 400 employees, is dedicated to preserving life, property and the environment.

Photo courtesy Con Fire