Rebecca G., '22 Cohort
"I joined the Foundry when I was doubting my path and abilities, and you guys gave me the support, guidance, and resources I needed to succeed."
Lupe D., '23 Cohort
“The fire captains you meet, the battalion chiefs you meet, you can’t really get that exposure just walking in off the street, unless you know somebody."
"It's all I've ever wanted."
In the fall of 2017, Lupe Duran sat overwhelmed with loss and uncertainty in an empty community college classroom in Santa Rosa. The Tubbs Fire had just killed 22 people and decimated thousands of homes in the city, including his own.
As Duran pondered his future, one thing became clear: He didn’t want to feel completely powerless before a fire anymore. A welding student at the time, it occurred to him he should become a firefighter, like the professionals he’d seen save people’s homes.
This would prove easier said than done. California’s firefighting ranks remain disproportionately white, and male. In recent decades, agencies across the state have started to address common barriers for underrepresented communities, including the time and cost of training to qualify for many full-time job openings.
For Duran, what got him on his way was a comprehensive workforce development program that seeks to diversify the profession. Read an interview with Duran.
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FIRE Foundry Program Services
Through mentorship, education, and support, we want to help you prepare for a career in fire services.
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FIRE Foundry Education Program
In the FIRE Foundry Program, you’ll complete 12 months of courses at the College of Marin.
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Learn about careers with the Fire Department
The Fire Department is a diverse, fast-paced environment. It's a great place to work if you want to learn and grow in a supportive organization.