HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. Presentation on the Fire Department's Internship Program Item 4a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 3/5/2025
Item Number: 4a
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: UPDATE PRESENTATION ON THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an update and presentation from the Fire Department about their internship
program.
BACKGROUND
The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department (SLO City Fire) initiated an intern program in
2022 with the intent of expanding the pool of qualified candidates for firefighter positions,
especially to traditionally underrepresented groups. At the Fe bruary 7, 2024, meeting of
the Human Relations Commission, SLO City Fire presented on the intern program, as
well as Camp Cinder. During this meeting, SLO City Fire also noted their plan for the
remainder of the year to expand opportunities for interns within the department to include
five other areas of the department’s mission in order to connect with groups that may
have an ancillary interest in the Fire Department, but not necessarily want to be a
firefighter. These additional missions include the Mobil e Crisis Unit, Mechanics,
Vegetation Management, Inspections, and Emergency Management functions.
Since its inception, internship has seen eight (8) interns come through the program. SLO
City Fire will present on the program’s notable accomplishments and testimonials from
the interns who have participated.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Fire Department Internship Presentation
Page 9 of 82
Page 10 of 82
Fire Intern Program
Outreach and Diversity Initiative
Started: 3 years ago (2022)
Intent: To expand our pool of qualified candidates for full -time careers in the fire service
Outreach to nontraditional groups
Camp Cinder – Effort to support expansion of opportunities for young women (16-18 years
of age) in careers outside of the norm, specifically firefighting -www.campcinder.org
Grizzly Youth Academy
Page 11 of 82
Introducing our Fire Interns…
Courtney (1st intern) – Had no fire experience, realized wanted to pursue
becoming a firefighter, went to Allan Hancock Fire Academy, now a full -time
firefighter for 5-Cities Fire
Daniel (2nd intern) – Decided he wanted to pursue a different career in the Air Force
Page 12 of 82
Fire Intern (Sophie)
3rd intern
General fire tasks
Page 13 of 82
Fire Intern (Owen)
4th intern
General fire tasks
Accomplishments
Got accepted into Paramedic school
EMT on the MCU
AED education Page 14 of 82
Mobile Crisis Unit Assignments (Kilee)
Assist MCU specialist with community members in
need of social services
Operates MCU vehicle or provides support
May be assigned the primary EMT to the MCU
Accomplishments
Became the liaison between CP and SLOFD
Established an official internship for psychology seniors Page 15 of 82
Prevention/Community Risk
Reduction Assignments (Cecilia)
Supporting business and self -inspection
program
Assist with tracking inspections
Accomplishments
Developed framework for defensible space
Code enforcement experience
Updated City maps for emergency use Page 16 of 82
Emergency Management (Garrett)
Participate in EOC training
Assist with community preparedness and
education events
Assist with emergency plan development
Accomplishments
SIM Table
Resident Advisor Procedure Guide Page 17 of 82
Fire Apparatus Assignments
(Dalilia)
Assist with fabrication and installation of
equipment on suppression vehicles
Assist with engine maintenance and servicing
Assist with cleaning and organization
Page 18 of 82
What’s next?
Training Assignments
(Currently onboarding)
Assist with training duties
Assist crews with station maintenance
Assist with 2025 academy (started 2/27)
Fuels Crew Assignments (TBD)
May assist with fuel mitigation
Operates hand tools and chainsaws
Project work in open space and city wildland
interface
Mobile Crisis Unit Assignments – Currently hiring
Assist MCU specialist with community members in need of social services
Operates MCU vehicle or provides support
May be assigned the primary EMT to the MCU
Page 19 of 82
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