Teens Receive Hands-On Experience in Emergency Services

High school graduates interested in a career in emergency services will undergo a week of intensive hands-on training this month, part of the award-winning Redlands Emergency Services Academy. Each year, nearly two dozen local teens with an interest in a public safety career attend the annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy. The participants share temporary quarters for one week on the campus of the University of Redlands, are exposed to hands-on training exercises in fire and police operations, and are introduced to state of the art simulators. This program stresses the importance of a well-rounded education, as well as the value of an extended education to each of the teens in attendance. High school graduates from the class of 2014 will arrive at the University of Redlands at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 13, for the 15th annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA). By 9:15 a.m. they will be participating in formation and marching drills and by evening learning firearm safety and fire behavior from members of the Redlands Police and Fire departments. Over the following week students will suit up in protective gear, arm themselves with paintball guns and participate in simulations as part of their Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training; practice police techniques for weaponless defense; fire weapons on the range and learn about pursuit driving at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy. Firefighters will teach firefighting and search and rescue techniques, rappelling, and auto extrication and triage throughout the week. The course also includes instruction in public safety ethics and career pathways. RESA began in July of 1999 as a collaborative effort between the Redlands Police and Fire Departments, Crafton Hills College, Redlands Unified School District and COMPACT (a Redlands business and school community) to offer new graduates of Redlands' high schools an opportunity to experience first-hand the duties of police officers and firefighters. Since 2009 RESA has been funded by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. In addition to $28,000 from the San Manuel Band, this year’s program is funded by donations from the Optimist Club and Kiwanis Club of Redlands as well as a $5,000 donation last year from Stater Bros. Charities. In 2012, the Redlands Emergency Services Academy won the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government from the League of California Cities. RESA graduates have gone on to careers in emergency services, including several hired by the Redlands Fire and Police Departments.