June 1, 2010

The Charlottesville Fire Department has welcomed two new, full-time firefighters to its station.

Both hires say their previous experience in firefighting is what landed them their jobs. One is a graduate of CATEC's firefighting course.

Jason Campbell and Jonathan Hughes are the new guys around the Charlottesville Fire Department, but they're catching on fast. For the two, it's a dream job.

"When people call me, I want to be there to help them," Campbell said.

"Waking up every morning and going to work, not knowing what you're going to get into. The adventure makes it that much better," Hughes said.

Hughes is a graduate of CATEC's EMT and firefighting course. He said he took it after high school to get the training and certification he'd need to get a job as a full-time firefighter.

"It really is the job training," Hughes said. "Everything I learned in that classroom is what I use today on the job."

CATEC's director, Darah Bonham, said they offer courses like the one Hughes took so high school students can explore different careers.

"They get a chance to do something they wouldn't do in a typical classroom setting," Bonham said. "In a firefighting class, for example, you're out there doing a live burn."

The program trains students on the basics of firefighting and first-aid skills. It also puts them in simulated fire rescues.

Chief Charles Werner said to get a job in the city, it's a plus if a candidate has passed a class on firefighting or has been a volunteer.

"This is a great opportunity to train and become certified and become really eligible for employment in a very good job," Werner said.

Both Hughes and Campbell are doing what they want to do, and they have a strong base to work from.