Commenter credits Fire Foundry, California Volunteers for pathway to EMT and wildfire research

Anai, a meeting commenter, described how she retrained during the pandemic and credited Fire Foundry and California Volunteers with helping her become an emergency medical technician and gain wildfire-response experience. "My name is Anai and I'm here to share my story," she said.

Anai told the meeting she entered training with no prior fire-service experience and spent roughly two years in programs that led to multiple roles. "During those 2 years, I was able to become a defensive well space inspector doing fire prevention. I was able to complete a wildland academy with the seasonal firefighters. I was even able to teach new recruits that were trying to become EMTs like myself," she said. She added that she completed a 12-week research placement at NASA on wildfires and presented the research to the county.

The commenter encouraged others considering career changes or public-safety work to explore the programs she named. "If you find yourself wondering or asking yourself what's next, consider programs like Fire Foundry or California Volunteers. I guarantee you, you will become a competent, confident person that goes out to the community and has a huge positive impact," Anai said.

No formal action or vote followed the comment; the remarks were delivered during the meeting's public comment period and recorded as testimony from a single participant.