We're very proud of Brad and haven't updated about him in some time. He spent this last summer fighting fire for the DNR around Spokane, WA and was promoted to Engine Leader. He really enjoys this work, though it seems it's not an "undangerous" as I was initially led to believe. Here are some pics from this summer.

Apparently, they DO have time to stop and pose during work. lol (Most of these were taken with camera phones, so aren't high quality)

I thought this was a neat picture, with the light shining down like that.

When Brad got his evaluation he had great marks and a comment that he was their first interview choice, from 41 applicants!

Brad is now back at Eastern WA State Uiversity, finishing up his Criminal Justice degree, but seriously considering a switch to fire. He got hired on at the Cheney volunteer fire department and is getting paid to complete the rest of his fire training.

Last week, Brad applied to the cadet program, which would allow him to work with the police department. They usually like to hire students with two years of school left, so the fact that Brad only had one, was somewhat of a detriment. We weren't sure how much it would count against him. The department had four slots and forty applicants.

Brad made it! He should be starting work this week. He had planned to finish school in March, but will now take extra classes and take the last quarter, since he has to be in school to participate in the cadet program. That way he'll get a whole year of experience. His supervisor said he wanted to help him build a great portfolio and make sure he got a job upon graduation.

Congrats, Brad!!