From Fire Cadet to Career
From Fire Cadet to Career
Christian Bedolla always dreamt of becoming a firefighter. So when he found out about the Orange County Fire Authority Cadet Academy, he jumped at the chance to make his dream a reality.
“Initially, it was a little nerve-racking since I did not know that they treat it as a paramilitary department,” said Bedolla, now a cadet in the program. “Being here the first day, doing 50 to 100 pushups, definitely was an eye opener.”
SCE partners with OCFA to help interested students create a path to the fire service.
The OCFA firefighters lead each training session with an intensity that mimics the seriousness of the job. From September to March, cadets ages 14 to 21 receive comprehensive training in fire suppression, emergency medical response and disaster preparedness — sponsored in part by Edison International.
“Edison’s partnership has made a huge difference for our program,” said OCFA Fire Captain Danny Goodwin. “It allows us to grant scholarships for kids who need it. We don’t want to leave a young cadet behind because they cannot financially afford to be here.”
By the end of the program, cadets will be able to tie ropes, connect hoses to hydrants, carry various-sized ladders, and operate the jaws of life, and other specialized equipment.
As part of their training, cadets are timed to see how quickly they can put on all the fire gear.
“This training not only equips cadets with practical skills but also instills a sense of discipline, teamwork and leadership,” said Scott Goebel, a former cadet and now OCFA firefighter. “We prepare them for the physical demands of the job and provide exposure to the department's culture, ensuring they’re ready for what the job entails.”
With his dream within reach, Bedolla didn’t let the physicality of the program scare him away. He refused to give up, even when his health suddenly started to decline. Around the time he started the program, he began to experience intense fevers.
“It took about a year of testing and seeing a bunch of different specialists for me to get diagnosed with a one-in-a-million type of cancer,” he said.
Bedolla was told he had a rare blood disease, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. After completing weeks of chemotherapy treatments, he showed signs of relapsing. It was looking like Bedolla might need to quit the academy, a reality he refused to accept.
After overcoming cancer, Bedolla has dedicated his time to assisting with cadet training.
“After joining the cadets, I realized how much they do here and how strong this program had helped me become, mentally and emotionally,” he said. “So, I didn't let it stop me.”
Despite his challenging diagnosis, Bedolla has shown remarkable resilience and determination. On his search for remission, he participated in a clinical trial — the seventh person to ever receive the treatment — and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He is now cancer-free.
“Now I'm dedicating my time to help the new cadets,” Bedolla said. “I recommend this program not just for those interested in joining the fire department, but for anyone who needs help getting through life obstacles. Everybody goes through something hard, and this program will help you overcome that.”
“Edison recognizes the critical role that well-trained firefighters play in protecting lives and property,” said Liz Seelman, Edison International director of Corporate Relations and Philanthropy. “That’s why we’ve partnered with OCFA since 2013, providing grant funding so young individuals have access to hands-on training, mentorship and the skills necessary to pursue careers in the fire service.”
For more information about Edison International's commitment to giving back, visit sce.com/community.