A spotlight on the Fire Technology Academy at Oxnard College was set ablaze as the history, occupations and growing need for fire fighters was presented to an eager audience.
Paul Houdeshell, department chair of fire technology and associate professor at OC, set the stage with a vibrant presentation that showcased the various careers, job duties and expectations of emergency responders that channel out of their academy.
“The opportunity to help somebody is the most rewarding part about being a fire fighter,” said Houdeshell, citing that saving lives was one of the most incredible feelings.
The presentation was part of the Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series that was held on Oct. 27 titled “Fire Fighters: What They Do and How They Serve.”
The presentation itself underlined the incredible stresses that come with being a fire fighter, as well as the highlights that make this career both exhilarating and humbling at the same time.
“This is a life-long a career,” said Houdeshell. “It’s steady, it’s secure and it’s very exciting. I invite those who are interested to visit the academy in Camarillo to see our fire cadets and where we do our training. I think that will be a great motivator for students.”
Houdeshell is a fire service veteran with 33 years experience as a fire fighter, recruiter and assistant fire chief.
From his first-hand experience and knowledge, he briefly expanded on the history of the U.S. Fire Service that ranged from the late 1600s’ to the early 1800s’, the first female American fire fighter from New York and the specialized jobs within fire technology.
Some of these specialized jobs include fire prevention, arson investigation, emergency medical response, hazardous material response, weapons of mass destruction, urban search and rescue and auto-extrication.
Terry Redmond, a transfer counselor at OC encouraged students to speak to counselors about this particular major.
“I think it’s essential that students stay in contact with their counselors in order to have academic success,” said Redmond. “Students wanting to be fire fighters are usually very determined and motivated, therefore we find out what courses they need and help them plan accordingly in order to achieve both their two year degree and certification.”
Houdeshell explains that it is impossible to be trained in all of the specialized jobs; therefore, fire houses are trained in specific specializations in order to provide as many services as possible.
Character, trustworthiness, honesty, teamwork and the desire to help others are some of the few qualities that are looked upon to be a great candidate for the Fire Academy at OC.
Upon being selected to attend the academy, the student must pass the “Candidate Physical Ability Test,” which allows 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete eight of the courses that include: pulling a dummy, forcible entry, ceiling breaches, etc.
Shelley Savren, English professor and coordinator for this event, was very pleased with the content that was presented to the students.
“Paul is an amazing presenter and his powerpoint was very informative,” said Savren. “The audience was very engaged and you could see that they had an interest in the field because they had important questions.”
Specifically, Savren was delighted to hear Houdeshell emphasize the importance of female representation within all emergency services organizations since it is not a popular field for women.
Houdeshell would like to assemble a group of female fire fighters and emergency service responders to speak to other young women about their experiences within this field.
“We have female students that participate in this program, but not enough,” said Houdeshell. “Our program is actively recruiting and trying to get more women involved to become fire fighters. The female gender is underrepresented in the fire service and it’s our job to recruit.”
Kyle Reaves, a 19-year-old emergency medical service major, from Ventura College, but interested in attending the fire academy at OC.
“I think it’s great that Oxnard College offers a Fire Technology program,” said Reaves. “I’ve already taken the EMT course at VC and it’s a great atmosphere.”
Vanessa Martinez, a 23-year-old anthropology major, was excited about the presentation and the need for female fire fighters.
“Firefighting is a male-dominated career,” said Martinez. “I would love the opportunity to take on the challenges and learn more about this career.”
Fire Techonology cadets in training exercise. (Photo courtesy of Dina Pielaet)
Fire Techonology Academy bay houses fire engines. (Photo courtesy of Dina Pielaet)
