San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted the inaugural Public Safety Hands-On Training, bringing together over 100 students from across the Fifth District for an immersive introduction to careers in public safety.
Students representing Rialto Unified School District, San Bernardino City Unified School District, Colton Joint Unified School District, and San Bernardino County Schools participated in the event, where they engaged in hands-on demonstrations and learned directly from public safety professionals about the skills, equipment, and teamwork required to serve and protect their communities.
The event was made possible through partnerships with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Probation Department, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), whose teams led demonstrations and provided students with hands-on training opportunities.
“Events like this are a powerful way to connect with the next generation,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “Giving students the opportunity to see public safety up close can inspire them to pursue careers in service and make a difference in their own communities.”
The event was designed to connect students with real career pathways in public safety while inspiring the next generation of leaders in service.
“This was the first event of its kind for students in the Fifth District, and it was impactful because it brought real opportunities directly to them,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “By giving students a hands-on look at careers in public safety, we’re showing them that these paths are possible and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
For many students, the experience left a lasting impact. Layla, a student from San Andreas High School, said the event helped solidify her dream of becoming a firefighter.
“This event was extremely impactful for me because I want to become a firefighter one day,” Layla said. “Growing up in San Bernardino, I want to give back to my hometown and inspire others to serve our community.”
Supervisor Baca remains committed to expanding programs that connect students with career opportunities and empower youth across the Fifth District.