The Los Angeles County Fire Department, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Women’s Fire League, has unveiled the Women’s Fire Prep Academy (WFPA) and Women’s Lifeguard Prep Academy (WLPA).
These initiatives are designed to introduce interested candidates to the comprehensive duties and responsibilities inherent in firefighter and ocean lifeguard roles.
The WFPA starts with a one-day assessment focused on stamina and endurance.
From this, 100 participants are chosen to proceed through five Sundays of intensive training.
Open to individuals 18 and older, the academy covers proper physical fitness routines and provides hands-on experience with firefighting tools and equipment.
This includes the use of extension ladders, rotary saws, and hose handling techniques.
“At the end of the five weeks, participants graduate with a deepened understanding of the fundamental responsibilities of a firefighter and the requirements to enter this esteemed profession,” said a spokesperson for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Recruitment Unit.
For those seeking more information about the WFPA, inquiries can be directed to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Recruitment Unit at (310) 419-2115 or through email.
The WLPA, accessible to individuals 16 years and older, is an annual two-day event conducted by the Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division.
This academy provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn lifesaving skills firsthand from professional ocean lifeguards.
The curriculum includes swimming in the ocean, sand running, and a variety of physical fitness exercises such as push-ups, planks, sit-ups, and burpees.
For additional details on the WLPA, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Lifeguard Recruitment Unit via email at fire-lifeguardrecruitment@fire.lacounty.gov.
The Women’s Fire Prep Academy and Women’s Lifeguard Prep Academy by the Los Angeles County Fire Department marks a significant step toward inclusivity and diversity within these critical public safety roles.
By offering tailored training programs, the department not only aims to enhance the skills of potential female firefighters and lifeguards but also to break down barriers that may have historically deterred women from pursuing these professions.
This initiative reflects a broader movement within fire and rescue services to create a more diverse and representative workforce, capable of serving the community with empathy, skill, and dedication.
