Alma Orozco - newest addition to CFPD volunteers

21 year old Copperopolis resident Alma Orozco knew from a young age that she wanted to be in the health care field at some level. Though growing up she planned on nursing, she felt it lacked the excitement she was seeking. She turned her sights to Paramedic and has been working toward her EMT at Columbia College.

Commuting through downtown Copper each day on her way to school she watched as Firefighters readied their vehicles and Paramedics began their day; she decided one day to ask if there was any way she could use her experience while gaining more to help CFPD.

Alma said that Chief Millar jumped at the chance and enrolled her in the Calaveras County Volunteer Fire Academy. In the Academy Alma will learn medical aid and the fire fighting skills necessary to become a volunteer firefighter.

Alma said the first three weeks of the academy were relatively easy as it was all medical which she already knew, yet that she was looking forward to the challenge of the fire fighting aspect of the academy.

Being the only girl in a family with five brothers, ALam said her parents were a little bewildered at her choice but are very supportive.
Alma brings more than her previous medical experience to the table, Alma is also bilingual.

Chief Millar stated that when the volunteers graduate the academy they will be qualified volunteers yet that further orientation of equipment at CFPD will be required.