The purpose of the Michael McComb Fire Academy is to instruct high school students about firefighting and other public service occupations, develop physical, academic and leadership skills, understand the chain of command, learn to work together as a team, and perform community service. Physical skills and team building skills are taught by having the cadets run the track, run the bleachers, lift
weights, perform the hose drag, perform the ladder throw and the ladder carry. The squads compete against each other in events such as the ladder carry, the hose-bleacher relay, and the weight relay. Academic skills are enriched by experienced guest speakers, such as Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Lifeguards, different Milatary Representatives, Medical Personnel, etc., who share their real-life experiences and give guidance to the cadets. Also, every cadet is taught first aid and CPR by Ms. Perkins, who is an American Red Cross authorized provider. Cadets earn ribbons for the hours of community service they perform, for earning a good grade point average (GPA), for having perfect attendance, earning all E's (Excellent) on their report cards for work habits and cooperation, for scoring high during cadet contests, and for demonstrating personal integrety. (One of our students found a lost wallet. She returned the wallet, with all of its contents, to the rightfull owner. This wallet contained $300.00 cash.) During the LA City Emergency Earthquake drills, the fire academy cadets work with the search and rescue teams. They locate 'injured victims' and perform first aid. The ROTC transport the patients to the nurses station where the nurse evaluates their first aid skills. The cadets also attend every football game game where they provide a first aid stations for athletes and spectators. They are also the first aid station for the ROTC awards ceremony each year. The fire academy in conjuncton with the First Responder class performs a scenario where the fire cadets are injured and the first responders come to their aid. One year they did a mock plane crash. The next year they did a mock terrorist attack. This is a 2 - 3 hour event where the first responder use their skill, knowledge, and equipment to quickly assess they scene and provide appropriate first aid. These students learn the importance and responsibilities of the chain of command. Students earn the positions as squard leaders, co-captains, captains, and/or chief. Students in these positions are responsible for the performance of their squards. Each week the fire academy students wear their dress blue/black uniforms and the captains administer an inspection.
