Kenneth Trapero enrolled in Angell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center on Nov. 29, 2016, to study automotive maintenance; but it was not long after enrolling that he found his true passion as a wildland firefighter.
After observing Kenneth’s work on the fire line, an assistant fire management officer suggested that he pursue a career with the Forest Service and apply to the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program.
Although initially resistant to start a career in firefighting, Kenneth applied for the apprenticeship and was accepted. He graduated from Job Corps on April 20, 2018, and a couple of weeks later began working on the Prairie City Ranger District on the Malheur National Forest.
Soon after, Kenneth joined a crew in Prairie City, worked longer hours, and was able to save up some money. As an apprentice, Kenneth traveled to California to take leadership courses like L-280 and L-380.
“I’ve met some amazing people in California. I count on those friendships, and they will last a lifetime.”
Working as a firefighter, Kenneth has had a chance to do a fair amount of travel. In addition to seeing Oregon and Washington, he traveled out of the lower 48 states to Alaska.
“It wasn’t just one fire, it was the Chalkyitsik Complex above the Arctic Circle,” Kenneth said. “It’s an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Kenneth is now working on a Type 4 Engine on the Prairie City Ranger District on the Malheur National District. His plans for 2021 include applying to the Redmond Hotshots as a Firefighter Type 1 Trainee.
Job Corps gave Kenneth the chance to find his passion and establish a career doing what he loves most.
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2018 Employer: Prairie City Ranger District Email: alicia.d.bennett@usda.gov Notes:
Source: Newsletter