Firefighters in Training: Stuck Between a Hot Place and a Full-Time Gig

Two new San Rafael Fire recruits have been going through department’s nearly month-long fire academy before they begin their professional firefighter careers.

The academy exercises have included racing to put on their equipment, handling a huge ladder and learning how to squeeze through remarkably tight spaces while wearing all of their gear. Check out photos and videos of these elements of the fire academy, documented by San Rafael Fire Commissioner Larry Luckham, above.

The two young men may be newbies to the San Rafael professional firefighter scene, but they aren’t unfamiliar faces in Marin. Matt Pesenti, who volunteered with the Marinwood Fire Department while completing his EMT and paramedic training, was raised in San Rafael. Nick Gonzalez-Pomo is also a Marin native who has worked with Marin County Fire for several years and also completed an internship with the San Rafael Fire Department.

They are set to graduate on Saturday, Sept. 28.