Continuing Education Noncredit
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Glendale Community College Verdugo CampusGarfield Campus Continuing EducationMontrose CampusProfessional Development Center

Academy Information

On this page:VFA VisionVFA Mission

Our staff and instructors come from a variety of fire departments in the Southern California area, and offer the students a diverse and knowledgeable background in the fire service.  Our instructors range in rank from Fire Chief to Firefighter and all ranks in between. Most of our instructors come from the area "C" cities, which comprise the Verdugo Dispatch Group of Agencies. All of our instructors are State Fire Marshal certified in the topics they teach.

Chief Tony Bagan
Fire Technology Director

Chief Tony BaganTony Bagan is the Fire Technology Director for Glendale Community College, and also the Basic Fire Academy Administrator. Chief Bagan is a 29 year veteran of the Pasadena Fire Department and currently holds the rank of Battalion Chief. Chief Bagan started his fire service career in 1986 as a Fire Explorer. He was sponsored by the Pasadena Fire Department to the Pasadena Fire Academy where he graduated in 1987. He has served the Pasadena Fire Department as an Auxiliary Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services Reserve before he was hired full-time. Chief Bagan has served in all ranks and the assignments of Training Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal. Chief Bagan is a graduate of the paramedic program at UCLA Center for Pre-Hospital Care. Chief Bagan is a registered Master Instructor with the Office of the California State Fire Marshal and is registered to teach a variety of classes including Fire Control, Fire Prevention, and Public Education Courses. He is certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a Fire Instructor Level III, Fire Prevention Officer Level I, and Public Education Officer.

The VFA Vision

Since the early 1970's the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) has certified recruit fire fighter Academies. The Verdugo Fire Academy has evolved from one of the first Academies in California, and offers the experience gained to the firefighters of the future. The Academy has changed sponsors, and even names, over the years, but many of the same dedicated instructors continue to serve you. The average length of experience of our instructors is eighteen years in the fire service. Through the years, developments in the CSFM-approved curriculum, as well as advances in the fire service profession, have mandated an increase in hours and the introduction of new disciplines, have had a direct effect on what must be taught to recruit fire fighters. The Verdugo Fire Academy curriculum reflects these new standards and in many instances exceeds them. The goal of the Academy, however, is to do more than meet the standards. We strive to assist students in becoming the most competitive candidates possible. The staff and instructors of the Academy are here because of the students we serve. We look forward to having you join our program, our community, and our profession.

 

The VFA Mission

The mission of the Verdugo Fire Academy is to develop, train and educate interested candidates in the safe execution of firefighting skills, tactics and strategies. The VFA teaches to the California State Fire Training guidelines and curriculum, and surpasses the recommended hours. The Verdugo Fire Academy will give cadets a good foundation on which to build a career as a viable member of the firefighting family and to a greater extent the community in which they will serve. Cadets will be taught discipline, leadership and the importance of being a community representative. The staff and instructors of the Verdugo Fire Academy are committed to this purpose.