Saturday, February 24, 2018, was the first day of the third annual Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Women’s Fire Preparatory Academy (WFPA). The WFPA took place at the Cecil R. Gehr Fire Combat Training Center at LACoFD headquarters.
On the first day, 102 participants tried out for the six-weekend program, but only 70 were selected to continue in the WFPA. Cuts were made based on results from the trainees’ stamina and endurance tests, consisting of pull-ups, push-ups, planks and sit-ups.
Led by professional LACoFD firefighters, the WFPA introduces participants to what they can expect in the fire academy by getting hands-on experience firefighting tools and equipment.