Lolita Harper
CIVIC CENTER -- Not many high school seniors know exactly what they
want to do with the rest of their lives, but Robert W. Morgan has known
since he was 5 years old.
"I just remember seeing the look of pride in the firemen's eyes at
Fire Service Day," Morgan said. "I knew right then and there what I
wanted to do."
Morgan, 17, has tested and proved that desire while participating in a
Regional Occupational Program in fire science through John Burroughs High
School. One of the top-scoring students in his class, Morgan recently was
awarded a gold medal in the Los Angeles County ROP Student Recognition
Program. The future firefighter competed against 30,000 students from 22
school districts and took home the highest honor in the fire science
category.
"I'm very proud of Robert and this whole group," said Fire Inspector
Kelly Chulick. "The gold medal really shows what a good program we have."
The program, taught Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the Burbank
Fire Training Center, started two years ago. Fourteen students enrolled
this semester, 11 of whom were returnees from last semester.
In addition to academic learning about basic firefighting techniques,
students were challenged with the physical aspects of the occupation,
Morgan said.
Morgan will be honored during the Industry Educational Council Awards
May 7 for his outstanding work in fire science.
