University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN’s Kinesiology Dept. Teams with LA Fire Dept. for Recruitment Expo

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 13, 2007) — At some point, it seems that every little boy and girl dreams of becoming a firefighter. But in time, those dreams fade, particularly for girls when societal pressures tell them that fighting fires is not the job for them.

Cal State Northridge’s Department of Kinesiology is teaming with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) on Saturday, March 24, to dispel those misconceptions and demonstrate that becoming a firefighter is possible for anyone, male or female.

The LAFD Women’s Recruitment Expo will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in CSUN’s north parking lot at the corner of Lassen Street and Lindley Avenue. The event is designed to give potential fire department applicants insight into what it takes to become a firefighter, providing an opportunity to try on gear and equipment and run through some training exercises.

"We’ve identified some of the more challenging tasks for all firefighters and are replicating them at the expo to give potential applicants a chance to see the challenges they will face when they apply to the department," said kinesiology professor Steven Loy, who serves as wellness coordinator for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Loy said expo attendees will be able to try on full turnout gear and breathing apparatus and carry a fire hose up a hill. Ladders will be on hand to give applicants an opportunity to lift and feel the ladders’ full weight. Hose lines will be laid out so attendees can to feel what it is like to pull and drag hoses.

"We’ll also have CSUN athletic training students and faculty present to provide applicants with information on how to be better prepared when they try out for the fire department as well as what exercises to do and how to train to be stronger and more fit for the job," Loy said. "Not only is it a great experience for our students to identify exercises and to be able to teach, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for the applicants to learn what they can do to become firefighters."

For more information about the expo, call (213) 473-9060 or visit the Web site at www.joinlafd.org.