<body><div>Press release from College of the Redwoods:<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1jicKC_0uvnUzSo00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1jicKC_0uvnUzSo00" width="900" height="473" ></figure><blockquote>College of the Redwoods is excited to announce the hiring of former Humboldt Bay Fire Chief Sean Robertson as a full-time faculty member to lead the expanded Fire Technology Program. This addition comes at a critical time as California prepares to hire 11,000 more firefighters in response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons.The Fire Technology Program at College of the Redwoods is a one-semester course designed to prepare students for immediate employment with local agencies. In previous years, all graduates of the program have been hired immediately upon completion, highlighting the urgent need for training in our area. “I have been involved in the Fire Service for 40 years now and the biggest thing missing in Humboldt County is a SFM FF1 academy,” said Fortuna Fire Chief Rus Brown. “Right now, we are sending our folks out of the area to get that certification, and they are being recruited right from the academy site or the testing site. If that is something that College of the Redwoods could pull off, I feel it could be a game changer for the fire service on the coast.”Sean Robertson brings extensive real-world experience, having served as Fire Chief at Humboldt Bay Fire, Battalion Chief, and various other roles throughout his career. His credentials include California State Fire Marshal certifications, National Fire Academy leadership skills, and hazardous materials expertise. Robertson’s experience will be instrumental in training future firefighters in the latest industry principles, tactical operations, fire safety, and hazard identification and correction.Chief Robertson hopes to gain state accreditation for the program and eventually offer expand it to include an associate’s degree option for students. He also hopes to coordinate with the college’s EMT and Paramedic programs, allowing students to obtain all their credentials simultaneously.CR looks forward to working closely with the College’s rural and tribal communities, where wildfire risk is particularly high. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to speak on behalf of our Eastern portion of Humboldt County,” said Amos Pole, Director of the Yurok Tribe – Office of Emergency Services. “Our rural areas will be fortunate to have professional fire education in our region. I will be presenting to both the Yurok and Hoopa Tribal councils about this opportunity and dedicating educational resources and funding for our current members and interested tribal and community members.”This initiative represents a significant step forward for our region in the fight against wildfires, providing essential training and education to prepare the next generation of firefighters. It offers opportunities for local students interested in a career in fire technology who are looking for the skills and credentials required for employment.For more information contact [email protected]</blockquote></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

College of the Redwoods Welcomes Former Humboldt Bay Fire Chief to Lead Expanded Fire Technology Program

College of the Redwoods is excited to announce the hiring of former Humboldt Bay Fire Chief Sean Robertson as a full-time faculty member to lead the expanded Fire Technology Program. This addition comes at a critical time as California prepares to hire 11,000 more firefighters in response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons.