Students attending any of the three colleges in the VCCCD that are interested in becoming firefighters have a unique opportunity to gain experience in the fire service at Oxnard College.

The Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy gives students the chance to get a first-hand look at what it’s like to be a firefighter.

“We prepare you for a job for life,” said Capt. Jim Petersen, the lead instructor at the academy. “It shows students what they are getting into.”

The OCRFA, which is located off campus at the Camarillo Airport, started its first class in 1997 and provides students with hands-on training from firefighters working in the field.

Cadets, as they are referred to once they begin the academy, go through a paramilitary environment while being drilled in skills that firefighters have to know in the field.

On March 15, the current academy had their first drill in fighting actual fire. The Cadets got to invite their families out to watch their drill and partake in a barbeque lunch.

Over 45 percent of the Cadets who graduate from OCRFA get hired as paid Firefighters which gives the Academy the honor of being the number two academy in the state for getting graduates hired.

“We have instructors from all over the state,” said Capt. Petersen. “Most other academies only get local instructors.”

Along with the level of experience that OCRFA delivers, it also offers a variety of fire certifications such as multiple Hazardous Materials certifications, Wildland.

“I came here because it’s the number two academy in the state plus all the certifications and I want to work in Santa Barbara County and they require a Firefighter One Cert,” said Cadet Daniel Huff.

Students interested in attending OCRFA can visit Oxnard College’s website at www.oxnardcollege.com/programs/firetch. There they can find information on how to apply for the academy, uniforms, pre-requisites and certifications.