News Stories

"Don't shut a door on yourself before you start," is one lesson Fire Academy 101 graduate and U.S. military veteran Daniel O'Connell learned while attending Crafton Hills College. He wasn't sure how the Fire Academy worked and thought it might be too difficult to even pursue. He credits Andrew Gebara, the program's secretary, with helping him navigate the application process and complete the requirements to be accepted into the Fire Academy, and much sooner than he imagined. O'Connell, age 23, is one of the eight military veterans that graduated with the 101st CHC Fire Academy this past December 2019.

Over 700 students from local high schools were on campus Friday, October 25. The future Crafton graduating class of 2022 toured the campus, attended workshops and an orientation where they received information about the Free College Promise Program.

The fall 2019 music performances included a Choir Concert, Jazz Band Concert, Songwriters and Electronic Music Event, and Performance and Composition Recital. Student-led performances were enjoyed throughout December by faculty, staff, students, retirees, and community members. Great job to our talented music students!

When Crafton Hills College student Sabrina Bruni was two-years-old, the house next door caught on fire. The neighbors watched the firefighters work on the scene, and Sabrina remembers seeing the firefighters return to the engines when they had done their work. One of the firefighters removed her helmet on the rig, and Sabrina saw a woman! Sabrina looked at her mom and said, "I want to do that!" She told her mom she wanted to be a "Fire fire." Ever since that day, Sabrina has been inspired to be a firefighter and rescue medic.

Crafton Hills College participated in the Yucaipa Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13th. Thank you to our college president, student club members and faculty advisors for representing Crafton in the Community.

The Crafton Hills College Associated Students were all set to participate in the Redlands Christmas Parade. The CHC Art Department, along with the student Art Club, magically transformed the wheelchair of Dr. Ericka Paddock, the CHC Director of Student Life, into a fully decorated sleigh, including lights! Unfortunately, the parade was canceled due to rain.

On January 9th, advanced manufacturing professionals, community leaders, and educational partners gathered at Crafton Hills College for a workforce development conference. The intent of this gathering was for the group to determine how educational partners can meet the needs of these local employers by training and preparing a qualified workforce.

Justine Galvan is a current student in the Crafton Hills College Paramedic Program. She is serving her internship with San Bernardino County Fire. A few weeks ago she was part of the team that responded to a 911 call for a man who was in cardiac arrest (not breathing with no pulse). Using the tools and knowledge she had gained from the CHC Paramedic Program, Justine was able to revive the man.

Selected by the American Institute for Foreign Study Program, English Professor, Gwendolyn DiPonio will be heading to Rome this fall to teach creative writing and intermediate composition.

In a cooperative effort between the Fontana Fire Protection District in the City of Fontana and the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the Crafton Hills College Fire Academy received two donated engines on December 10th. Fontana Mayor Warren, Council Member Roberts, and Council Member Sandoval were in attendance at the John B. Roberts Fire Station 71 to present the engines to CHC Fire Academy Fire Chief Mike Alder. Generosity and support from local fire agencies and our community strengthen the Crafton Hills College Fire Academy, and we are extremely grateful.