CTC celebrates 2023 Summer Fire Academy graduates

Thirty students graduated Aug. 18 from the 2023 Summer Fire Academy operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College.

The academy combines online coursework followed by six  weeks of rigorous, paramilitary-style skills training. The program delivers a total of 280 hours of instruction, with students actively engaged in training for up to 12 hours per day, five days a week.

Graduates can test for the Alaska Firefighter I certification, which is recognized by the State of Alaska and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and allows students to work in almost any state they choose. In addition, they receive 12 academic credits toward an Associate of Applied Science in fire science. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in fire science or homeland security and emergency management.

Forty-three percent of the 2023 academy graduates have minority ethnic backgrounds. Forty percent of graduates are female. A third are first-generation students — the first in their families to attend college.

“This year's graduating class is a testament to the program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” said John George, fire science program director.

Six students were at least the second generation to serve in the firefighting profession, with one student becoming a sixth-generation firefighter. 

UAF CTC fire science program instructors come from nearly every fire department in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The University Fire Department, Chena Goldstream Fire and Rescue, North Star Volunteer Fire Department and Steese Volunteer Fire Department also provide essential training apparatus and radios for student use.

“These collaborations are instrumental in delivering a comprehensive training program,” George said.

Students benefit from working with these local fire departments, often securing employment and scholarships that defray program costs. This hands-on experience further enriches their education, as they apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Following is the list of graduates.

Eric Bartnik
Ian Bell 
MaKenna Beshears
Jackson Biggs
Geremu Daggett
Erin Gates
Mason Gho
Hunter Goff
Alexander Green
Domonique Helms
John Hense
Perpetua Hippler
Layton Howe
Olivia Jaeger
Amaya Johnson
Kyle Kruskie
Erin Lawlor
Maila Liebig-Williams
Graeme McAuslan
Peter McCann
Kylie Mejia
Brian Meyer
Wyatt Mountcastle
Mikayla Ostreim
Taylor Owen
Asher Pepiton
Zachary Priebe
Ada Putman
Gage Rodarte
Angela Waters 

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