VIDEO: Nineteen aspiring firefighters are going through some special training at the Women’s Fire Prep Academy (WFPA), hosted by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The event is part of the City of San Diego’s effort to create a more diverse staff of first responders.
The third annual event allows young people to train with professional firefighters. Seventeen women and two men are learning a variety of firefighting skills over six weeks.
“I don’t have any fire experience so being hands on with all the equipment, everything we get to do, getting to wear a helmet — is honestly very exciting for me,” said Amanda Weinberger, an Ocean Beach resident who is working towards being a firefighter. Weinberger is an EMT and really enjoys helping people. She might be small in stature, but she makes up for it with a strong body and heart.