The primary goal of our program is to develop and prepare the best firefighter candidates for future employment in the fire service.  Captain John Mathers is the Reserve Firefighter Coordinator who works out of the Fire Suppression section along with experienced Santa Ana Fire Department personnel who help manage this group of highly dedicated Reserve Firefighters.

The program attempts to maintain approximately 50 reserves, with the majority of Santa Ana Reserves getting hired into full-time positions throughout the State and the Country.  Candidates for the reserve program must have first completed a state of California certified firefighter 1 academy, current Emergency Medical Technician & CPR certification, current biddle and driver’s license. Once enrolled in the program, the reserves are then put through an extensive academy conducted by the Reserve Coordinator, and Santa Ana Fire Department personnel.

After completing the Santa Ana Reserve Mini Academy, they are equipped just as a full-time Firefighter and assigned to work under the supervision of a line Captain and crew. Reserves are required to attend monthly training meetings and complete a minimum of two shifts (24 hours each) per month thereby gaining experience in every aspect of emergency response.  Due to the high demand for information about this program, the reserve coordinator asks that all inquiries be made by phone to (714) 647-5797. This line contains recorded information about the program and any upcoming opportunities within the program.