Moses Lake firefighters describe CB Tech fire‑science program, students report certifications and competition wins

Lynn Dodd, a lieutenant firefighter and instructor for the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, told the Moses Lake City Council on Tuesday that the CB Tech fire‑science program now serves students from 13 school districts and offers hands‑on instruction in firefighting, EMS and related trades.

The program runs three class periods a day, awarding nearly 500 instructional hours and three high‑school credits per year, Dodd said. Jaren Shaddix, a Moses Lake deputy fire lieutenant and co‑instructor, told the council the program has placed cadet firefighters into local volunteer departments and that local departments and businesses donated equipment — which Shaddix estimated at roughly $1 million in value — and even an old reserve fire apparatus for student use.

Student speakers described personal gains. Vincent Bodeman, an 18‑year‑old student, said he completed an evening EMT course sponsored through Grant County Fire District 5 and expects to be a licensed emergency medical technician upon graduation. Cora Preston and Caitlin Fretwell credited CB Tech instructors with raising attendance, GPA and workforce readiness; Preston noted earning a wildland “red card” and SkillsUSA awards.

Dodd said the program teaches fire behavior, PPE, search and rescue, hose handling, water supply, EMS, ladders and wildland firefighting and explicitly emphasizes professionalism, punctuality and community service. Shaddix said students have performed hundreds of community‑service hours with local departments and with the downtown Moses Lake Association during holiday lighting events.

Council members did not take action; the presentation was informational. City staff and instructors asked the council to continue supporting partnerships that provide donated equipment and training opportunities.

Student quotes and instructor descriptions came from presentations during the May 27 meeting.