Avondale’s fire department presented its first Camp Hero program to the City Council, saying the four-day camp gave 13 local girls ages 14 to 18 hands-on firefighting experiences and exposure to career pathways they might not otherwise consider.

Why it matters: The program aims to broaden recruitment — nationally, firefighters are predominantly male — and to introduce young women to public-safety careers through practical drills and mentorship from department staff.

Gabby, the city’s community outreach coordinator, said Captain Lopez and Firefighter Cano were key advocates for the program and that the camp’s goal was to expose high-school‑age participants to real skills such as hose handling, search-and-rescue drills and forcible entry. “By the end of the camp, a lot of them kind of changed their mind and were like, ‘I'm actually seriously considering this as a career,’” Gabby said.

Camp activities included blindfolded hose‑following search drills, forcible‑entry exercises using the same tools firefighters use, and climbing the department ladder (participants were secured with safety straps). Several participants described the program as community‑building: Reese Springer said her favorite part was “meeting people and getting to actually do hands‑on work,” and Renata Campos said Camp Hero helped her form friendships she continued after the camp. Another participant, Elin, said the experience made her “reconsider my career options.”

Council members praised the department. Council member Janet Garcia, a former member of law enforcement and the military, told the campers that firefighting is physically demanding but achievable and emphasized the lasting bond that forms among emergency‑service colleagues. Council member Salorio and Council member White also thanked the fire department and encouraged continuation and expansion of the program; organizers said they are exploring an extended schedule for next year.

The council acknowledged the city manager’s office, marketing and other departments for supporting recruitment and turnout. No formal vote was taken on the program during the meeting.