WSS | Volume 39 No. 39
WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
Redlands Professional Firefighters Establish Endowed Scholarship at Crafton Hills College Fire Academy
CHC Operations Specialist Danny Ward; Matt Swenson, Captain for Redlands Fire and President of the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association; CHC Fire Chief Ryan Harold; and Dustin Whitaker, Fire Captain for the Redlands Fire Department and President of the Benevo-
YUCAIPA, CA On Dec. 2, Crafton Hills College (CHC) celebrated a moment of part- nership and generosity during a check presen- tation at the CHC Fire Academy. The Red- lands Professional Firefighters Association presented a $12,500 endowed gift to the CHC Foundation to establish a permanent scholar- ship fund for Fire Academy cadets.
lent Fund.
ciation consists of 54 sworn firefighters dedi- cated to serving the Redlands community with professionalism, courage and compassion. Their one-time, permanent and irrevocable gift will remain with the foundation in perpetuity. The endowment will be invested, and only the earnings will be used to fund scholarships. This gift establishes the Redlands Profession- al Firefighters Association Endowed Scholar- ship, which will provide a $500 annual schol- arship each fall beginning in 2026 to a student enrolled in the CHC Fire Academy.
entire career. Crafton shaped who I am as a firefighter and as a person. I love this college, and it means everything to me to be able to support the next generation of cadets who are working toward the same dream." Harold emphasized the endowment's long- term impact.
"This scholarship will support our cadets in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations of firefighters have access to the training and re- sources they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful for this partnership with the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and their incredible commitment to our students."
With their investment, the association will help future firefighters pursue their education and serve their communities.
Representing the association at the presen- tation were Matt Swenson, Captain for Red- lands Fire and President of the Redlands Pro- fessional Firefighters Association and Dustin Whitaker, Fire Captain for the Redlands Fire Department and President of the Benevolent Fund. The check was presented to CHC Fire Chief Ryan Harold and CHC Operations Spe- cialist Danny Ward. The Redlands Professional Firefighters Asso- "This college gave me the foundation for my
Whitaker, a proud graduate of CHC Fire Academy Class 57, an associate degree recipi- ent from CHC and a graduate of its paramedic program, shared the personal importance of giving back.