News Summary
Coronado High School in Scottsdale has introduced a Fire Science Academy to prepare students for firefighting careers. Developed with the Scottsdale Fire Department and East Valley Institute of Technology, the academy emphasizes essential firefighting skills and values such as discipline and respect. With a pressing need for new recruits in the department, the program aims to strengthen the next generation of emergency responders while providing practical training and mentorship opportunities.
Coronado High School Launches New Fire Science Academy in Partnership with Scottsdale Fire Department
Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, has announced the launch of a new Fire Science Academy for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. This innovative program is designed to prepare students for careers in firefighting and is a collaboration between Coronado High School, the Scottsdale Fire Department, and the East Valley Institute of Technology. The academy will provide high school students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for successful participation in fire academies after graduation.
The program aims to train students in basic firefighting skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers in the field. Instruction will take place directly on campus, making it accessible and convenient for enrolled students. As part of their training, students will engage in physical activities, including exercises that require them to navigate flights of stairs while wearing heavy firefighting gear. This training emphasizes the importance of mobility and physical conditioning, which are crucial for firefighters.
Chuck Hermann, the designated fire instructor, has highlighted the significance of instilling core values such as discipline, respect, and understanding the firefighting culture among students. These values are essential for building a strong foundation for young aspiring firefighters. The academy offers a practical orientation, allowing students to learn hands-on skills, such as operating a fire hydrant, which senior student Justin Sirota is particularly excited about. Sirota has expressed his long-standing ambition to become a firefighter and is eager to acquire the skills that will help him achieve that goal.
Captain Dave Folio from the Scottsdale Fire Department has indicated that the program comes at a critical time, as there is a pressing need for new recruits within their ranks. Currently, 180 staff members are eligible for retirement, highlighting the demand for new personnel to maintain effective fire services in the community. In response to this need, several staff members have volunteered to act as mentors for the students enrolled in the academy, providing guidance and support as they embark on their firefighting journey.
Folio has observed a strong sense of pride among local students regarding their potential careers as firefighters, especially in the Scottsdale area. The partnership between Coronado High School and the Scottsdale Fire Department represents a significant step towards addressing workforce shortages within the fire service while simultaneously providing valuable career preparation for young individuals.
This Fire Science Academy at Coronado High School marks an important initiative not only to enhance educational opportunities for students but also to strengthen the pipeline of future firefighters. As the program unfolds, it promises to deliver comprehensive training that could play a crucial role in equipping the next generation of emergency responders in Scottsdale and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Coronado High School Fight Fire
- Wikipedia: Firefighting
- AZ Family: Arizona Students Collecting Supplies
- Google News: Firefighting Education
- Signals AZ: Yavapai College Fire Academy Graduates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- ABC15: Verde Valley Firefighters Training Youth
- Google Search: Firefighter Career

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.