ELK GROVE CIVIC SUMMER

Kids these days. Always on their devices, doing nothing productive!

Well, not our kids. In July, Cosumnes CSD enlisted thirteen interns from the Elk Grove Civic Summer program hosted by the Elk Grove Unified School District.

This program, organized annually every summer, gives high school students experience working in various public agencies. The interns at Cosumnes CSD worked for a wide variety of departments, including Parks and Recreation, Fire, and Administrative Services.

On their first week in the program, leaders from all four of our departments presented to the interns, giving them a glimpse into the District's core mission, vision, and values. Furthermore, the interns took the CliftonStrengths assessment (which we call "Strength Finders"), which identified their individual top five strengths. Parks and Rec Administrator Mike Dopson taught them how knowing one's strengths can empower an individual and emphasized the importance of having various strengths within a workplace (which he called "cognitive diversity").

We're proud of our partnership with the Elk Grove Civic Summer program. Look out, world; these interns are our future leaders.

Written by intern Rafael Basas.

Bravery Beyond Borders

Firefighter-Paramedics Ania Langiewicz and Oleg Klepach were recently honored with the prestigious lifesaving medals by California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), recognizing them for their remarkable efforts in Ukraine.

The Lifesaving Medal recognizes EMS providers who, while in an off-duty or volunteer capacity, make an extremely noteworthy contribution to efforts that save lives.

Ania and Oleg embarked on a mission with Project Guardian, traveling to Ukraine twice, to train and support the courageous firefighters serving on the frontlines of the Ukraine War. During their first mission, they recognized an urgent need for enhanced training and equipment for the Ukrainian firefighters. They distributed first-aid trauma kits and conducted intensive training sessions on

Little did they know their efforts would be put to the ultimate test. This newly acquired training was utilized a short time later by Ukrainian firefighters, resulting in civilian survivors after a devastating missile attack. Langiewicz and Klepach returned for a second mission, expanding their focus to encompass search and rescue operations. They tirelessly worked alongside their Ukrainian counterparts, bringing closure to grieving families who had lost their loved ones.

Their mission continued. Ania and Oleg worked to rebuild a fire station and a playground, creating a safe space for children. They also organized donations to gather essential supplies and served hot meals to the frontline responders. Ania and Oleg risked their own lives to uplift and empower their fellow firefighters in Ukraine. Their acts of compassion exemplify the true spirit of firefighting. This recognition is a testament to their bravery, exceptional contributions, lifesaving efforts, and lasting impact on the Ukrainian community.

Join us in congratulating them on this honorable recognition.