In early 2019 Anthony Pedro was contacted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for an interview and video spotlight on the success he had obtained since returning home from the California Correctional Center. Click the image above to watch the video. Continue reading below to see how Anthony’s career has evolved since the filming of this interview.
Make It Count
Future Fire Academy was founded in El Dorado County, CA by Anthony Pedro, a professional Firefighter Engineer who also happens to be formerly incarcerated. During Anthony’s time in prison he was able to qualify for the California Correctional Center Fire Department where he spent three years at an all hazards station that responded off prison grounds to multiple structure fires, vegetation fires, vehicle fires, traffic collisions, medical aids, and public assists.
At the California Correctional Center Fire Department Anthony became state certified in all aspects of firefighting, including receiving his emergency medical responder certificate (EMR). As an EMR Anthony worked under Captain's supervision where he was able to become an Ambulance Attendant and Lead Medical Firefighter on the engine.
Upon Anthony’s return home in 2018 he immediately applied to his local fire department. Seeing the passion Anthony had to serve his community, he was given a second chance. Anthony was offered a position as an Intern Firefighter Reserve, the beginning of a new chapter in his firefighting career. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Anthony was able to grow into a seasonal position with Cal Fire and from there obtained his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license and is now a full time, permanent, Engineer with a municipal fire department.
Anthony’s story is not average. In fact, most firefighters returning home find it difficult to get back into the fire service for one reason or another. After seeing the need for job placement assistance in the fire service for those returning home after serving at fire camps and fire houses while incarcerated, Anthony knew he had to pay it forward. He had made it!
At Future Fire Academy our objective is to provide education and training, certification, hands on experience and job placement assistance to all individuals wanting to enter the fire service including youth, veterans, those that come from non-traditional backgrounds and/or that have been in the prison system. Future Fire Academy offers mentorships for participants with leadership by example as public servants from career professional firefighters in fire service agencies that range from federal, state, local government, and private sectors. We take pride in the highest level of integrity, commitment, teamwork, and community engagement.
