Fire Dept. to host Junior Academy
Weeklong course teaches first aid, CPR

The Ventura County Fire Department will host its annual Junior Fire Academy July 9 to 13 and July 16 to 20.

The weeklong program, open to teens 13 to 16, is held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Friday, when the sessions end at 1 p.m., following a graduation ceremony and barbecue lunch.

Capt. Barry Parker, a department spokesperson, said the program, "plants a seed in our youths as an outreach program.

"It is good exposure and it gives the youths an inside perspective into what it is like to be a firefighter."

The academy will be held at the Ventura County Fire Department's Regional Training Center at the Camarillo Airport and costs $25 per person.

There are two fiveday sessions limited to 25 teenagers.

The program will introduce students to the fire department, stations, vehicles and equipment.

The course also teaches about structure and brush fires, as well as search and rescue, emergency medicine and first aid/CPR.

Parker said the program gives firefighters a chance to work with local teens interested in the department.

"It is a great opportunity to show that firefighters are role models," Parker said. "The kids have a sense of pride when they graduate."

For more information, call Bev Walters at (805)3899727 or email her at bev.walters@ventura.org.

- Jeanna Diacono