Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend a FREE VFA Firefighter Career Planning
Seminar. Workshops are traditionally offered on the 1st Saturday of every month from
10:00am to 12:00pm via ZOOM. No appointment necessary. An updated schedule can be
viewed on the VFA website.
Step 1 – Apply to Glendale Community College
This step is free and there is no obligation to attend GCC. Applications are to be
completed on-line. Applying to GCC
will get you a student ID number that is required to continue in the process.
Step 2 – Make a Counseling Appointment (OPTIONAL)
You are encouraged to make an appointment with our Career and Fire Counselor, Isaac
Pedraza. Mr. Pedraza can provide you with valuable information and guidance on preparing
yourself for the fire academy experience and earning your degree or certificate. To
make an appointment, contact Mr. Pedraza @ ipedraza@glendale.edu or (818) 240-1000
x3333.
Step 3 – Prepare your Verdugo Fire Academy Application Packet
Download the Verdugo Fire Academy Application from the VFA web site @ www.glendale.edu/fire.
This is not the GCC application. Begin assembling the required and optional/supplemental
documentation detailed in the application packet. Application must be typed.
Step 4 – Submit your Verdugo Fire Academy Application Packet
Completed packets will be accepted at any of the Career Planning Workshops OR you
may contact Program Specialist Chaplain Victor Castellanos at (818) 240-1000 x 5326
to schedule an appointment to submit your application packet. You are strongly encouraged
to submit your application immediately as space is limited and the class fills up
quickly. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Step 5 – Register for Fire 116 and Pay all Fees (Fire 116)
Your spot in the Verdugo Fire Academy is not guaranteed until you have successfully
registered for Fire 116, upon
acceptance into the academy. This includes payment of all applicable fees, following
all other steps in the process, and
attending the mandatory orientation. This process usually begins in September. You
are encouraged to apply ASAP to
secure your spot.
Step 6 – Mandatory Class XXVI Orientation
TBA - Glendale Fire Station 21 Community Room or via ZOOM.
Important Dates
Application deadline – Open and Continuous
Applications accepted after the Orientation may still be considered and added to the
list of alternates. If more than 50 students apply to the Verdugo Fire Academy, the
Cadet Selection Point System will be used to select the top 50. All others will be
placed on the alternate list. Only sponsored Cadets will be accepted after the Orientation.
Applications are date stamped so submit your application as soon as possible. Additional
documentation can be added to your application packet up to the application deadline.
Acceptance
Letters of invitation will be sent to accepted cadets. Provisional acceptance letters
will be sent to those placed on the alternate list along with further directions.
In an attempt to notify cadets of acceptance as early as possible, accepted cadets
may be notified at any time throughout the year leading up to Orientation.
Glendale College Registration Deadline – Determined by Admissions & Records
Registration times are determined by GCC Admissions and Records after the student
successfully applies to Glendale. This date may be different for each student based
on whether or not the student is a returning student.
Mandatory Class XXVI Orientation – TBA
This is an opportunity for the Class XXVI Cadets to meet and exchange information.
VFA Staff and Instructors along with Glendale College counselors will provide a PowerPoint
and DVD based presentation on the expectations of cadets.
Question and answer period will follow. Accepted cadets as well as those on the alternate
list must attend the orientation. If a cadet does not report for orientation at the
time scheduled, he/she will forfeit their spot and an alternate from the alternate
list will be brought forward.
