While many recent high school graduates spend their summer searching for jobs or preparing for college, a group of young adults in Redlands is spending the week training alongside police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals through one of the region's most respected public safety education programs.
The 27th Annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA) began on July 8 at the University of Redlands, welcoming graduates from Redlands and neighboring communities for an intensive week of hands-on training designed to introduce participants to careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services. The academy is a collaborative effort between the Redlands Police Department, Redlands Fire Department, the University of Redlands, Crafton Hills College, Redlands Unified School District, and numerous community partners.
Throughout the week, students experience many of the same challenges faced by first responders. Participants begin with military-style formations, physical training, and instruction on ethics, teamwork, and the responsibilities that accompany a career in public service. As the academy progresses, students participate in practical exercises that include search and rescue operations, CPR instruction, firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, rappelling, aerial ladder operations, auto extrication, and simulated police scenarios. Training also includes firearms safety, defensive tactics, and active shooter response under the supervision of trained professionals.
Unlike a traditional summer camp, RESA places participants in an environment that mirrors the discipline and expectations of an actual public safety academy. Students stay together on the University of Redlands campus during the program, developing teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining firsthand insight into the demands of emergency service careers.
The academy has become a longstanding Redlands tradition since its founding in 1999. What began as a local partnership to introduce graduating seniors to careers in emergency services has evolved into an award-winning program recognized throughout California. In 2012, RESA received the League of California Cities' Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government, recognizing its success in preparing young people for careers dedicated to serving their communities. Many former participants have gone on to become police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and emergency management professionals, including several now serving with the Redlands Police and Fire Departments.
The program also addresses an important workforce need. Public safety agencies throughout California continue working to recruit qualified men and women as experienced first responders retire. Programs such as RESA allow students to determine whether these careers are right for them before investing years in specialized education and training. By exposing participants to real-world emergency situations under controlled conditions, the academy helps them better understand both the rewards and responsibilities of protecting their communities.
This year's participants represent several regional high schools, including Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School, Citrus Valley High School, Arrowhead Christian Academy, Rim of the World High School, Packinghouse Christian Academy, and Yucaipa High School. During the week, students also receive specialized instruction at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Frank Bland Regional Training Center and the Crafton Hills College Public Safety Training Center, giving them access to professional facilities used by active law enforcement and fire personnel.
The academy's continued success reflects strong community support. Funding has been provided through the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, with additional assistance from organizations including Stater Bros. Charities, Toyota of Redlands, the Tom Bell Family Foundation, the Redlands Police Officers Association, the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association, and other local partners committed to developing the next generation of public servants.
Programs like the Redlands Emergency Services Academy demonstrate that preparing future first responders begins long before someone enters a police academy or fire academy. It starts by giving motivated young people opportunities to learn, serve, and discover how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
As another class completes its week of training, the academy continues a tradition that has benefited Redlands for more than a quarter century. Whether participants ultimately pursue careers in public safety or choose other professions, they leave with a deeper understanding of teamwork, leadership, and civic responsibility. Those lessons strengthen not only the students themselves but also the community they may one day be called upon to protect.