My Grandson, Keith, is graduating from the Rio Honda College Wildland Fire Academy, in the Los Angeles area. This Fire Academy trains cadets who are interested in a career in the Fire Service. Their Alumni are working all across the United States with private, local, state and federal fire agencies such as the US Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Orange County Fire Authority, City of Los Angeles Fire Department and Grayback Forestry.
The Wildland Fire Academey is an 11-week program wherein cadets receive training on:
- Basic Wildland Fire Orientation
- Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Training
- Firefighter Type 1
- Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones
- Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- Portable Pumps and Water Use
- Basic Air Operations
- Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational / Awareness
- Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations (LARRO)
- Confined Space Awareness
- CPR/AED & First Aid
This is a very rigorous training program which only those with the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual stamina complete. Keith completes this and graduates this coming Saturday, April 21.
Keith’s grandfather was a Los Angeles Police Officer during tumultuous times in the Los Angeles area, including the Watts Riots. A Los Angeles Police Officer is a high risk occupation; his beat was from the Los Angeles River to Main Street, one of the roughest downtown areas. This required a level of courage, a love of humanity, and a strength that few possess. He sought to help those less fortunate as much as he could.
Keith is continuing the legacy his grandfather started of training to serve in a high risk occupation to help humanity at a higher level because he possesses the level of courage, love of humanity and strength within his soul. Keith, like his grandfather, has a tender heart and loves at a deeper level, has a quiet way, and observes from an expanded view holding his emotions close. His grandfather’s Spirit has been and will continue to watch over him as he moves into the next step of his life journey. Reggie and I will also watch over and pray for him.
Congratulations, Keith, for continuing the Legacy of Courage. I ask Spirit to watch over, protect, and enfold in everlasting love you, your family, and all those who walk the higher risk paths. Much Love, Nancy (Grandma) and Reggie♥
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