Fire Tech Success Stories
Mission College offers fire technology and EMT training in the Bay Area. Located in Santa Clara, our courses prepare you to meet California firefighter requirements.
Our fire program offers the real-world experience, tools, and support to succeed in a fire service career. Read about some of our esteemed graduates.
Meet Our Alumni
Alum
![Darryl Von Raesfeld, Mission Fire Tech Alum.](/_resources/images/testimonials/daryl-vonraesfeld-modified.png)
Darryl spent 33 years with the San Jose Fire Department culminating as Chief in 2010. Marty worked for Redwood City Fire and spent most of his career as the Fire Marshall for the City of Santa Clara. Myron was an Oakland firefighter. The brothers combined 70 years of public safety experience.
Marty, Daryl, and Myron Von Raesfeld Firefighter Alumni
Fire Science Alumni
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![Shay Mountford climbing a ladder in her firefighter gear.](/_resources/images/testimonials/mountford-shay.jpg)
I got hired by the Santa Clara County Fire Department in 2002 and still hold my position as a proud Firefighter and Engineer. This also inspired me to develop Blaze of Glory Fitness to help prepare, train, guide and motivate potential firefighters.
Shay Mountford '98
Firefighter and Fitness Coach
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![Ken Kehmna, a retired Fire Chief, poses in uniform against the front of a fire truck. He has a dark moustache and short greying hair. He is lean and fit.](/_resources/images/testimonials/ken-kehmna.png)
I began attending Mission College while still in high school and my dream was to become a firefighter. I distinctly remember my instructors supportively walking alongside me on my journey to attain an A.S. Degree in Fire Science. After graduation, I continued my education and received a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership. My foundation of success came from my experience at Mission College. The faculty, as well as my peers, were much like a second family.
Ken Kehmna
Retired Fire Chief in Santa Clara
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![Soulmaz Brazil, a young woman posing in a fire service uniform and smiling. Her dark hair is pulled up under her military-style hat, and her skin is tan.](/_resources/images/testimonials/brazil-soulmaz.png)
I am a Deputy Fire Marshal with the City of Santa Clara Fire Department. In addition to earning a degree that taught me about the fire service, I learned about emergency medical service, fire suppression, and fire prevention. Earning a Fire Science degree from Mission College gave me a great foundation to enter the fire service and thrive in it.
Soulmaz Brazil
Deputy Fire Marshal, Hazardous Materials, City of Santa Clara Fire Department
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