Amador County – Columbia College this week announced a certificate awards ceremony for 14 fire technology participants, among them a Sutter Creek resident.

Coni Chavez of the college president’s office announced a graduation ceremony and presentation of Certification of Completion to the 14 successful students of the Fire Technology Program at the Columbia College Fire Academy. The students include Amador High School graduate Oliverr Tremelling of Sutter Creek. The event is 7 p.m. Monday, April 25 in the Dogwood Forum at the college in Sonora.

Chavez said the certificates will be awarded based on the student’s successful completion of the academic and manipulative training as mandated for a California Firefighter Level One. Students must still complete six months of full-time or one year of part-time field experience before applying to the state for Firefighter I Certification.

Joe Doherty, college fire technology instructor, said “some of the graduates have obtained paying positions at local fire departments since entering the academy. In addition, most will continue their studies at Columbia College to pursue associate degrees.”

Along with the “routine” classes in Vehicle Extrication, Basic Wildland Fire Fighting, and Indoor Live Fire Activities, “this semester’s academy was invited to participate in a regional Western Propane Gas Association live fire drill in Calaveras County,” Doherty said. “This multi-station night time drill was intended to prepare all participants to safely mitigate propane gas emergencies within our response areas.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.