How the Process Works Graduating seniors from each of the city’s high schools compete for the opportunity to attend the academy. Recruitment begins in the spring of senior year. Interested students must obtain two teacher recommendations, complete an application and write an essay. Qualifying students give an oral interview before a panel of Redlands firefighters, police officers and staff from local schools. Only 20 to 25 students and two alternates are selected. Since RESA’s founding, approximately 320 students have completed the program. There is no cost to RESA students to participate. Many local businesses and other institutions provide support throughout the weeklong academy. The University of Redlands provides a dormitory to house participants, food services at a reduced rate, classrooms and recreational opportunities. The San Bernardino County Sheriff ’s and Fire departments open their Academy Training Center and facilities for instruction in weapons orientation, vehicle pursuit driving and live firefighting. Many businesses donate money, food or other necessities. A San Bernardino County Schools grant and donations from the Kiwanis Club of Redlands provided initial funding for RESA. A donation of nearly $200,000 from the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians has supported the program for the past four years.
A Detailed Look at the Academy Employees of the Redlands Fire and Police departments act as RESA instructors. For eight full days, participants are exposed to the types of tasks and responsibilities required of safety personnel, as well as the training, education and physical standards that must be met to achieve and maintain employment in these fields. Participants begin each day at 5:30 a.m. with extensive physical fitness challenges, continued
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Western City, September 2013
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