On July 13, Southwestern College graduated the next generation of firefighters from the Fire Technology program at the SWC Public Safety Training Center. Lorraine Hutchinson, retired deputy chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and program director of the Southwestern College Fire Academy led the ceremonies. Robert Logan, who was recently appointed by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, as the next fire chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department was the keynote speaker.
Graduates of the Southwestern College Fire Academy, which opened in 2021, have gone on to serve at local fire-rescue departments, including Imperial Beach Fire Rescue, Chula Vista, San Diego, and CAL FIRE. The program boasts a 61% employability rate from the two previous academies and several recruits from this academy have already been hired by local departments. This year’s cohort represents the vibrancy and diversity of San Diego, as one of the thirteen graduates is a woman. Two veterans graduated, one Air Force and one Navy.
