future talent Jocelyne Beltran: From Fire Explorer to Fire Inspector
As a senior attending Oceanside High School in 2017, Jocelyne Beltran was interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. She took a Health Academy Course offered by the Career Pathways program and was introduced to the Oceanside Fire Department’s Explorer Program. After joining the Explorer Program, she was encouraged to continue her pursuits by enrolling and completing a First Responders course for college credit. Her next step was to attend EMT School at Palomar College. After graduating high school in 2018 and completing four years in the Explorer Program, Jocelyne became an intern at the Oceanside Fire Department with the Community Risk Reduction Division. While there she became interested in Fire Prevention and after taking a State course in Fire Inspection, she was offered a job with the Oceanside Fire Department. Her story is a great example of the benefits of the Oceanside Fire Explorer program which is designed to expose young men and women to various aspects of fire service while developing character, citizenship and responsibility. The program prepares participants for the competitive path to a career in the Fire Department. Firefighters from the Oceanside Fire Department instruct and oversee program activities with an emphasis placed on youth safety. (Explorers never enter burning structures and are not used in place of paid firefighters.) Candidates must meet certain standards in order to qualify for participation in the program, with preference is given to Oceanside residents. Applicants 34 | Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Journal
must be between the ages of 15 and 20 and if enrolled in high school, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above; must be physically capable of performing basic fire service tasks, i.e., running, lifting, climbing, crawling. Activities include Drill nights where Explorers are taught basic fire and life-saving related skills. Drill Nights combine physical fitness routines, classroom learning, and manipulative skills practice. Explorers are expected to participate in volunteer activities in addition to the weekly drill nights including Fire Department, Charity and Fundraising Events. Explorers also participate in a mini-fire academy where they are taught and tested on a variety of basic skills. The explorer academy is held every other Saturday for a total of eight Saturdays beginning in February; 100% attendance is required. After six months of participation, and completion of two task books, Explorers are given the opportunity to ride along on fire engines, trucks, and ambulances. Explorers have a unique experience, to observe firsthand what is required of firefighters operating in real emergencies. Jocelyne Beltran is now working part time as a Fire Inspector and visits residential buildings, businesses and other locations reporting violations, advising on fire safety and codes. She loves the city in which she lives and works and is excited for her future in the Oceanside Fire Department. For more information about the Oceanside Fire Explorer Program, call (760) 435-4100.
Fall 2021 | www.oceansidechamber.com
