Crime & Safety

PHOTOS: 55 Explorers Put a Week in at O.C. Fire Academy

Our future firefighters get a taste for the job.

Fifty-five teens and young adults are getting the taste of what it's like to be a professional firefighter, running through the drills at the Orange County Fire Authority's Trainee Academy this week.

"They started on Sunday, July 13 and will graduate on Saturday, July 19. For this academy, it’s for explorers 16 -21 yrs. old," said Capt. Steve Concialdi. It's the 16th year the Fire Authority has offered the Explorer Academy, which is supported by the nonprofit Orange County Firefighter Authority Foundation. That helps bring down the costs to $400 per explorer.

Of the 55 explorers, four are female and 10 are from Alaska, Concialdi said. 


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