Welcome to the Chabot College Fire Technology Program website!

WHAT'S NEW?

PASSING OF FORMER CHABOT COLLEGE FIREFIGHTER 1 ACADEMY COORDINATOR MIKE LITVINCHUK:

JULY 19, 2022 (UPDATE):

 

Hello, Chabot-Las Positas Community.
 
The world lost a fire service legend this month in the passing of Captain Mike Litvinchuk.  
 
Mike was one of the most influential leaders in fire service training in the bay area, and a one-of-a-kind instructor.  His legacy lives on in every firefighter that was lucky to have been his student.  He gave a lot to the fire service through his work improving state and national fire service training programs. He was also the Training Director for the Alameda County Fire Department, and the lead instructor of the Chabot Fire Academy.
 
Mike was hired at Chabot College in 1977 and was actively involved in developing rescuing training programs for the Fire Technology program.  As a former marine, he brought a unique discipline to his instruction, and wanted his students to develop the competency and confidence in their abilities to perform the job safely.  He wanted his students to be M.A.C.H.O. (Man/Mamma Able Call Home Okay).  In 1986, Mike took the lead in directing and instructing the Chabot College Fire Academy until his retirement in Fall 2008.  Mike taught 52 Fire Academies at Chabot College, but 117 Fire Academies throughout his career.  
 
Mike could be described as a soft-spoken marine with a boot-camp instructional style when the students' attention required it for high-risk training operations.  He was highly respected by the rank and file in ACFD, and by his many students throughout the Bay Area and the State of California.  Many of his students promoted to positions of leadership in their careers as Training Officers and Fire Chiefs - many right here in the CLPCCD region.
 
Mike's integrity, dedication, and passion for the fire service and the training necessary to provide the community with high-quality firefighters inspired many of his former students to take up the challenge as custodians of the Fire Technology program.  Many of the instructors in the fire programs at both colleges were trained or influenced by Mike Litvinchuk.  He constantly sought innovative ways to deliver training, especially with limited resources and facilities, and showed the fire academy instructors how to "improvise, adapt, and overcome."
 
When Mike taught his last Fire Academy for Chabot College in Fall 2008, it was the 117th Academy and his final one he ever.  He and his wife Karen lived in Elk Grove, but he tended to a 96 fruit tree orchard and plethora of rose bushes for the next 14 years.
 
In honor of Captain Mike Litvinchuk, retired Director of Training for Alameda County Fire Department, retired Fire Academy Director for Chabot College, ex-marine, ex- seminarian, teacher, mentor, peer and friend, your fellow fire faculty salute you.  Quoting one of your closest friends, "The fire service has lost a dedicated fire fighter, but God has gained."
 
Warm regards,
 
Bob
 
William Robert (Bob) Buell, Jr.
Fire Captain, Alameda City (ret.)
Fire Technology Program Coordinator
Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Boulevard
Building 1500, Room 1504
Hayward, CA  94545
510-786-7565 (cell)​​

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JULY 16, 2022:
 

From Captain (Ret.) Bob Buell, Chabot College Fire Technology Coordinator:

 

Hello, 
 
Today I received word from Brian Centoni at Alameda County Fire Department that Mike Litvinchuk passed away this week.  Brian received this information from retired Fire Chief Dave Rocha.
 
When Mike taught his last Academy with Chabot College in Fall 2008, it was the 117th Academy he ever taught.  Along with San Leandro/Alameda County Recruit Academies, Mike taught ladder sessions for Modesto Junior College, Columbia College, and Alameda City Fire Department (among others).
 
Mike served as a member and President of the Alameda County Training Officers Association and was an officer in the Nor Cal TO's if I remember correctly (I think he served a term as President but might be wrong on that).  He constantly sought innovative ways to deliver training to his department and the region, and often tried new approaches on the Chabot Fire Academy students.  
 
After retiring from Alameda County Fire Department, Mike remained committed to the Chabot Fire Academy, constantly making adjustments and improvements where he could.  His intention was to ensure every fire academy graduate successfully demonstrated tangible fireground and rescue skills before the completion of the Chabot Academy.  It was amazing what he achieved with that original all-in-one Macintosh computer from the 80's.
 
This number 117 was important to Mike.  Mike had a thing for the number 13, so when he told me that 117 was divisible by 13, he thought that would be a good number to conclude his instructional career.  So, on the last day of Chabot Fire Academy #54, we gave Mike a cake with the number 117 on it.  Incidentally, there were two Chabot Academies that Mike did not instruct.  So, with 52 of 54 academies at Chabot under his belt, and 52 is divisible by 13, Mike retired at the time and on the terms he intended.
 
I hope the information above provides some interesting insight to my experience with Mike Litvinchuk over the quarter century that I worked with him at the tower.   Please keep his family in your thoughts during this time.  I'm unaware of any plans for a memorial service at this time.
 
Be safe and well, and thank you for letting me share this news with you.
 
Regards,
 
Bob
 
William Robert (Bob) Buell, Jr.
Fire Captain, Alameda City (ret.)
Fire Technology Program Coordinator
Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Boulevard
Building 1500, Room 1504
Hayward, CA  94545
510-786-7565 (cell)​​

 

 

 

 

FIRE SERVICE EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES:

 

The Central County (CA) Fire Department (Burlingame, Hillsborough & Millbrae) is looking to bring on Intern Firefighters.

 

There is no deadline to apply, but they are taking applications anytime they plan to interview. So if you're interested, contact Firefighter/Paramedic Brenden Kelly (see flyer below for his contact info).

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The Central County (CA) Fire Department (Burlingame, Hillsborough & Millbrae) is looking to bring on a Wildland Urban Interface Specialist.

 

Position is open until filled OR until they receive 250 qualified applications.


For more info, CLICK HERE.

 

For a detailed job announcement, see below:

 

Download
Wildland Urban Interface Specialist
WUI specialist flyer 03 2022 (1).pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [512.4 KB]

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The Cordelia Fire Protection District (Fairfield, CA) is looking for Resident Firefighters:

 

CORDELIA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Invites Applications for
RESIDENT FIREFIGHTERS

 

Final Filing Date: Continuous Hiring

 

Stipend: $25.00 Reimbursement per 24 hour shift

 

The Position:

Resident Firefighter positions are designed for individuals wishing to obtain firefighter training and on the job experience. They will work one 24-hour shift each week assigned to a Fire Station.  Opportunities to work additional days are available as requested, for those seeking more experience. The program is designed to provide training and work experience for individuals pursuing a career in emergency services. The District is prepared to help recruits obtain their Firefighter I certification through training and work experience that they obtain while working at Cordelia Fire.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age
  • Valid California Driver’s license
  • High school diploma and/or GED
  • Current Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (Solano County accredited within 30 days)
    • Paramedic Certificate Highly Desirable

Application Process:

  • Download Cordelia Firefighter Application
  • Submit Cordelia Fire District application in person, via email, or by mail.
  • Attach Resume – DO NOT SUBSTITUTE RESUME IN PLACE OF APPLICATION
  • Attach all relevant certificates pertaining to position applied for
  • Ride-alongs are encouraged prior to interview.

Testing Process:

  1. Written test
  2. Oral Interview before panel of 3-5 Firefighters/Chief Officers
  3. Current CPAT card less than 1 year old
  4. Background Investigation
  5. Upon conditional offer of employment, you will have to furnish a current Driver’s License record from DMV, submit to a Live Scan and a physical exam.
  6. Interview with Fire Chief on first day of hiring

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

Ability to perform all aspects of physical requirements for a typical Fire suppression classification.

 

In accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if accommodations are necessary in order to perform the essential functions of this position, or to participate in any portion of the selection process, please contact the Fire Chief at (707) 864-0468 within one week of final filing date.

 

For more info & to download an application, go to: https://www.cordeliafire.org/about/employment/ 

 

 

FREE - Over 80 Reach for the Firefighter Badge Video Blogs / Webinars to help you prepare for the career of your dreams!

 

FREE On-Demand Webinars: Reach for the Firefighter Badge!

 

The following webinars focus on FIRE FIGHTER CAREER PREPARATION! (Before Getting the Badge):

 

 

More FREE On-Demand Webinars: Reach for the Firefighter Badge!

The following focus on the FIRE DEPARTMENT HIRING PROCESS:

 

 

And even More FREE On-Demand Webinars: Reach for the Firefighter Badge!

 

The following focus on FIRE FIGHTER CAREER PREPARATION! (After Getting the Badge):
 

On-Demand Webinar: Reach for the Firefighter Badge - Episode #1 - Why do you want to be a Firefighter?

2020 Shelter-In-Place Webinar Series!

 

Steve Prziborowski hosted a number of FREE upcoming webinars to assist current & future fire service personnel with achieving their dreams & goals! Below are the archived webinars for your viewing pleasure!

 

To View For Any Or ALL Of The Above/Below Webinars:

  • 25 Reasons to Hire YOU as a Firefighter! - To view the webinar on demand go to YouTube.
  • How to Master the Fire Department Testing Process! - To view the webinar on demand, go to YouTube.
  • Reach for the Firefighter Badge - Do you have what it takes to be a Firefighter? - To view the webinar on demand, go to YouTube.
  • 21 Key points to assist you becoming a Firefighter! - To view the webinar on demand, go to YouTube.

 

 

Thinking of a Fire Service Career?

Chabot College Fire Technology Program Updated, Informational Brochures!!

 

 

Download
So, you want to become a Firefighter? 6 key points to assist you in becoming a Firefighter!
For anyone starting the process or fairly new to the process of becoming a Firefighter, this document will provide a great road map to set anyone up for success! Updated July 2019.
Firefighter preparation for Chabot July [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.9 MB]
Download
Pathway to a Fire Service Career!
This brochure helps you best prepare for a fire service career!
Chabot Fire Pathway-2018.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [758.1 KB]
Download
Chabot College Fire Technology Program Information
Thinking of a career in the fire service? Start here by reviewing this important information!
Fire Service Career Information.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [321.0 KB]
Download
Fire Technology Program Decision Matrix
This document will provide a flow chart to decide which classes to take and in what order.
Fire Technology Decision Matrix Prioriti[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [282.2 KB]

FREE Oral Interview Preparation Webinar!

 

CLICK HERE to access a free, one-hour webinar recently presented by Steve Prziborowski, for Kaplan University, titled "How to Excel at your next Oral Interview." Whether you are preparing for entry-level or a promotional position, this webinar has some key points and nuggets you can benefit from!

 

Awesome Deals On Career Preparation Books!!!

  • The Future Firefighters Preparation Guide!

    For a limited time, the eBook version is reduced to just $4.99 - CLICK HERE

 

  • Reach For The Firefighter Badge!

    For a limited time, the eBook version is reduced to just $4.99 - CLICK HERE.

 

WHY THIS WEBSITE?

  • Are you interested in a career in the fire service? 

  • Are you looking for guidance and resources to get you pointed in the right direction?

  • Are you looking at a road map for success, to increase your chances of obtaining the badge of your dreams?

  • If so, then we are here to assist you!

 

If you want to know where to begin, click on the link above titled "So, You Want To Become A Firefighter," and let the journey begin!


Regardless of where you live or where you hope to serve, we have lots of valuable information to share if you take the time to click on the links above. Good luck!

ABOUT:

The Chabot College Fire Technology Program is one of the longest running programs in the San Francisco Bay Area and the State of California, and is located at:

  • 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, California. See below for an interactive map.

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Students are offered coursework that can lead to:

 

For more information on each of the above programs, click on each link above.

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CONTACT:

Bob Buell                

Fire Technology Coordinator & Firefighter 1 Academy Coordinator

Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Blvd.
Building 1500

Hayward, CA 94545

 

(510) 723-6851 - Office

(510) 786-7565 - Cell

bbuell@chabotcollege.edu

Steve Prziborowski

 

Fire Technology Instructor & Webmaster

 

(408) 205-9006 - Cell

sprziborowski@aol.com

CAREER PREPARATION BOOKS:

The Future Firefighter's Preparation Guide by Steve Prziborowski

For the paperback, CLICK HERE.

For the eBook, CLICK HERE.

Reach for the Firefighter Badge by Steve Prziborowski

For the paperback, CLICK HERE.

For the eBook, CLICK HERE.

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