MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) has selected California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Firefighter Fernando Lua as a recipient of the Chief James G. Yvorra Scholarship for Fire and Emergency Service Responders.
Lua will use his YLD scholarship to attend the wildfire science, protection and administration program at California State University San Marcos. He is pursuing higher education to strengthen his leadership skills and prepare for future advancement within the fire service.
“I want to finish my education so that I can use what I’ve learned to promote and be a leader that others can look up to,” Lua said.
“The foundation is pleased to support Firefighter Lua in his commitment to professional growth and leadership development,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation. “He exemplifies our core belief that individuals can make a meaningful difference in the fire and emergency services through education, effective management and service to others.”
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection serves and safeguards the people of California while protecting property and natural resources throughout the state. Lua has worked for CAL FIRE as a seasonal Firefighter I for the past five years and aspires to promote through the ranks, with a long-term goal of becoming a fire apparatus engineer.
Currently recovering from a job-related injury, Lua is unable to work operationally and has chosen to use this time to focus on his education.
As a CAL FIRE firefighter, Lua is trained in all-hazard emergency response, including wildland and structural firefighting, emergency medical services and hazardous incident response. His duties include fire suppression, medical aid, hazardous materials incidents and station and equipment maintenance.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Lua volunteers as a Volunteer in Prevention (VIP) during the off-season, educating the public and participating in community and department-sponsored events. He has also served as a public information officer and is active in his union, where he has held roles as a union representative and chapter secretary.
When asked about his professional achievements during the scholarship application process, Lua emphasized service over accolades.
“I wholeheartedly enjoy all the aspects of this job beyond fire suppression,” Lua wrote. “Being there for each other and giving back is what matters most to me. It’s not a specific award I’ve received, but what I’ve been able to give back that I consider most important.”
CAL FIRE operates under the leadership of Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler and is one of the largest state firefighting agencies in the nation, employing approximately 6,100 permanent personnel and about 2,600 seasonal firefighters.
Each year, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazardous materials, emergency management and homeland security. The application period for YLD scholarships runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at www.YLD.org.</p