Crews attended the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy Senior Cadet Graduation Ceremony on June 10. Union Fire Company No.1 Firefighter Carolena Ortiz-Nava was named Cadet of the Month and Fire Senior Cadet of the Year. Ortiz-Nava joined the Union Fire Company No.1 along with her mother, Lupe, in 2018. She has enlisted in the Navy and has been accepted to the elite Navy Nuclear Power School.

We couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments thus far and we’re certain they are only the beginning!

The Octorara Area School District hosts the Octorara Area Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy. This program is available to students in most high schools in Chester County. The Academy serves students interested in careers in Fire Fighting, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Management. This program is an approved PA Department of Education Career Program of Study. Upon completion, it can be credited for post-secondary education and students have the ability to earn State and National job-related certifications, which are required for entry-level positions. The 3-year Academy is located at the Chester County Emergency Services Training Center in Coatesville.