Two West Grove Fire Company volunteers graduated yesterday from an area program designed to prepare high school students for careers in public service. Two others were recognized for finishing an EMS program.

WGFC's Morgan Yingling and Dylan Osborne graduated from the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy (OHSPSA)
in front of family, friends, and officers of the WGFC at ceremonies held at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in Coatesville, PA. Morgan and Dylan received a lights and siren escort to the ceremony in Ladder 22. Both were recognized by the audience for their graduation in a ceremony that included speeches from instructors, County Commissioners and school district personnel.

Also recognized at the ceremony were WGFC volunteers Aurora Baza and Hayden Adair who completed the Emergency Medical Technician program and remain in the program as their studies continue.

The Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Program is a three year PA Department of Education approved Career Program of Study. The course prepares cadets for careers in law enforcement, corrections, pre-hospital emergency medical care, emergency management, military services, and firefighting. The program requires cadets to wear uniforms and focuses on discipline and teamwork in a para-military environment. The course is taught on site at the new Chester County Emergency Services Training Center located in Coatesville, PA. This is a challenging endeavor but cadets can earn State and National job related certifications, which are required for entry-level positions directly upon graduation. The intent is to train qualified, competent and professional emergency first responders. Students are exposed to mentors and representatives in a variety of careers related to these fields almost daily. Cadets are required to join and participate at their local volunteer fire company to enhance learning and hone skills for testing.

The WGFC has had multiple members go through the Octorara program, and WGFC officers and career members are actively involved in the program's instruction. The program is a model across Pennsylvania and the nation. Everyone is exceptionally proud of our students, and we congratulate Morgan, Dylan, Aurora and Hayden on their accomplishments.

For more information on the Octorara program, see: https://www.octorara.k12.pa.us/Page/470 and https://www.facebook.com/octoraraprotectiveservicesacademy/