La Pine firefighter academy wrapping up

The La Pine Fire District Firefighter Scholarship Program makes the dream of being a firefighter a reality.

Six new firefighters start their first shift next week, but first they had to learn all the tools of the trade.

“Today we’re actually more hands on,” student firefighter Dylan Weimer said Wednesday.

When disaster strikes, first responders are trusted to save lives.

These rookies will officially be firefighters in a few days, after only 32 days of intensive training.

“I’m nervous, I’m really nervous. I don’t want to mess up,” said another student firefighter, Daegan Carter.

“We had a Dumpster fire the other day — we pull hose, put lighters into the building,” Weimer said.

Rookies, fresh out of high school, are preparing in a different kind of classroom.

“Do cool stuff like pulls cars apart and help people,” Weimer said.

It’s not all hands-on.

Leading up to Wednesday’s exercise, the rookies spent two days in the classroom learning about the tools they would be using.

But that doesn’t fully prepare you for the real deal.

“I learn by actually getting outside, using the spreaders and the cutters and doing it,” Weimer said.

Soon, they will be in the real classroom at COCC, all part of the same program..

“Two years of fire science, and then we will go on to paramedic,” said Weimer.

In order to keep their scholarship with the La Pine Fire District, they have to get all As and Bs throughout their college career.

While the combination of school and work can be exhausting, Weimer said, “I love it. It’s hard work, but it’s a lot of fun.”

It’s the thrill that keeps these rookies going.

“Call comes in and you just run out the doors, get in the rig and drive off,” Weimer said. “You don’t really know what’s going to happen. You just get out there and do it.”

Their chosen career is something they take very seriously.

“I’m committed,” Weimer said. “I mean, I have no regrets, no second thoughts. It’s what I want to do.”

The rookies’ graduation day is on Sunday, but their college career starts on Monday.