On Thursday, March 21, 2024, County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone was honored to join with Third District Supervisor and Chair Lindsey Horvath and Director Judge Songhai Armstead (retired), Los Angeles County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD) to celebrate the first cohort of participants at the Los Angeles County Training Center (LACTC) Fire Camp in Calabasas.
The LACoFD would like to commend JCOD who has worked closely with County departments and its many program partners to transform Camp Gonzales, a former juvenile detention center, into an innovative residential job training facility.
LACTC Fire Camp participants receive hands-on fire service training, along with complimentary on-site room and board, life skills training and a monthly stipend. The first cohort of 21 participants began their training on February 4, and will spend up to 12 months at the camp.
This event showcased the inaugural cohort of participants, who were joined by their families, program partners, and representatives from various County departments who helped make this transformative and forward-thinking program a reality.
Graduates of the program will possess the skills and certifications necessary for fire service careers and will continue to receive support, including career counseling, job placement assistance, and housing resources. The LACTC program is voluntary, with priority given to applicants who are affected by the justice system, the foster care system, and veterans.