Next Generation of Heroes: Valley ROP Graduates 40 Wildland Firefighters

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Valley Regional Occupational Program (Valley ROP) held its annual graduation ceremony this afternoon, honoring 40 high school students who have completed their training to become certified wildland firefighters — just in time for fire season.

These students, representing schools across the region, didn’t walk the stage in traditional caps and gowns. Instead, they wore army-green cargo pants, sturdy hiking boots, and black uniform t-shirts stamped with a bright orange seal and the words “Valley ROP Firefighters” across the back.

Among the graduates was 18-year-old Sunnie Ornelas, who discovered her passion for wildland firefighting after taking an urban fire class.

“I just wanted to be a structure firefighter. Then I took this class and realized I want to be in the Forest Service,” Ornelas said. “There’s not that many people fighting fires in the forest.”

Ornelas hopes to join a Hotshot crew — elite teams that work for the U.S. Forest Service and are deployed to some of the most remote and dangerous wildfire zones in the country.

Another graduate, Aaron Martinez, has already achieved that goal.

“Yeah, I’m on the Arrowhead Hotshot crew with the National Park Service,” said Martinez. “I work Monday through Thursday, but that’s only for now.”

The Wildland Fire Science program is a key program within the Valley ROP, which partners with local high schools to equip students with the foundational training and certifications needed to launch a career in fire service. Students often begin with urban firefighting courses before advancing to the wildland program.

“I was in this wildland program, but to get here, you have to go through urban,” Martinez added. “I loved that too.”

With more than 8,000 wildfires recorded across California in 2024 alone, according to Cal Fire, the need for skilled firefighters has never been more urgent.

“One of the most challenging things is climbing hills — the elevation is super high out there,” Ornelas said.

She offered advice for those considering the program:

“If you plan on going this year, I suggest you start working out right now. If you’re not in shape, then you might not make it.”

Many of the graduates will return this fall to continue their training through Valley ROP’s Natural Resource Program or at the Fresno City Fire Academy, taking the next step in what could become a lifelong career in public service.

For more information on Valley ROP or any of the courses they offer, visit valleyrop.net.