Hard pressed to find anything difficult about the 15-week intensive Fire Academy at Crafton Hills College, Deandra Van Houten is clearly meant to be a leader. In fact, she was selected to lead the 87th Fire Academy class by her fellow cadets, all of who are fellows by the way. Van Houten is only the second female academy leader in the 35 year history of the program. The cadets graduated on Friday, December 15.
Van Houten credits her experience as a collegiate water polo player and high school coach for her leadership skills. “The experience playing for the University of Redlands and then coaching at Redlands East Valley (REV) High School undoubtedly played a role in my ability to lead the Fire Academy,” said Van Houten.
A native of Huntington Beach, Van Houten, 25, moved to Redlands to attend the University of Redlands and play water polo. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and began working on a teaching credential while subbing at REV. She also coached the girl’s water polo team where a player’s mom approached her about becoming a firefighter. “Her family came from a long line of firefighters and she convinced me to explore it,” said Van Houten. “I attended an orientation session in Los Angeles that was led by a female Captain. I could just see myself in her shoes,” she said.
Van Houten started applying to various fire departments. Instead of waiting for a job offer, she decided to chuck her job and teaching credential and join the CHC Fire Academy. “It was a difficult decision, but the right one,” she said. “It was such a new experience but felt so natural. It’s like I’ve been preparing to be a firefighter without even knowing it. I’m just so comfortable this is the right career,” she said.
Her confidence and capability are clear to others. She was voted to be the academy leader after a two hour class interview with all the cadets. “Everyone has supported me,” said Van Houten. That was topped with a conditional job offer from San Diego from her earlier applications that would have required her to leave Crafton and start their academy in November. After some soul searching, she decided to finish the program at Crafton. “I wanted to complete what I had started at Crafton. I am so thankful to this college.”
Citing the continuous learning that is part of this career, Van Houten likes the challenge of learning something new and the need to constantly improve. “In fact, now that I’ve had some time to reflect, I think the most difficult thing about the Academy is how detailed you have to be. It’s not just attending class, but also preparing for the next day. Your uniform has to be perfect, your supplies must be aligned properly at your seat, and you have to train physically. It takes a lot of time.”
Van Houten has an invitation to join the San Diego academy in March 2018. In the meantime, “I plan to relax and do nothing over the holidays.” It will be a well-deserved break for this trailblazer.
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