By Kirk Kern
Last year, Skye Canyon resident Lori Dosa was scrolling through social media when she saw something that caught her eye … but not necessarily in a good way,
It was a post recruiting residents for the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Citizens Academy.
Dosa thought back to when her Southern California home was damaged in a wildfire. She thought about how she was rescued by the fire department.
“There were 60 mile per hour winds and a wall of flames at my doorstep,” she said. “I’ve been eternally grateful and have been interested in fire rescue ever since.”
When she saw the posting, she knew she wanted to be a part of it as a way of giving back from the harrowing episode she faced.
So she completed the application, answering the various questions and writing an essay on why she wanted to participate. She was one of 30 accepted into the program in February. The program consisted of 10 weeks of classes. It’s intended to produce informed citizens and give an overview of how Las Vegas Fire & Rescue operates, not to train an individual to be a firefighter.
Graduates of the program obtain a certificate of completion.
Some of the programs included touring a fire station and headquarters, learning about emotional toll on firefighters, EMS and dispatchers, exposure to the 9-1-1 communications center, paramedics and Fire Training Center. There is no cost to participate, other than purchasing a t-shirt to wear at various functions.
Dosa, who is U.S. Air Force veteran, called the program “fascinating” as it included ride-alongs from various stations.
“We had professional speakers for nine weeks with exceptional skill and knowledge,” she said. “The material was expertly presented and so impressive.”
As a graduate, Dosa will now volunteer at community awareness events and can assist with fire alarm replacement services in homes.
Dosa moved to Skye Canyon in 2019 from Southern California. She picked the area because it was close to the mountains.
“I decided the mountains would be my new beach,” she said. “I visit the mountains four days a week during the summer to explore, exercise and escape the heat. During the other seasons, I visit Red Rock Recreational Area, Valley of Fire, AZ Hot Springs, Cowboy Trails, DNWTR and Blue Diamond.”
She’s an avid hiker and enjoys taking other Skye Canyon residents on hikes.
Dosa said the sense of community and events in Skye Canyon is a big reason why she likes the community along with the amenities it has to offer.