On March 18, 2026, students from the Umpqua Community College (UCC) Fire Science Program completed their Task Performance Evaluation (TPE) for NFPA Firefighter 1 certification. This evaluation is a critical benchmark, requiring candidates to demonstrate proficiency in essential firefighting skills under timed, real-world conditions.

Evaluation Overview

The TPE consisted of five core skill stations designed to validate each student’s operational readiness:

PPE / SCBA Donning
Participants started in daily clothing and were required to properly don full structural personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This included ensuring no skin was exposed and that they were breathing air from their SCBA—emphasizing both speed and safety.

Hydrant Operations & Water Supply
While in full PPE, students established a water supply from a hydrant. This included flushing the hydrant, installing a gate valve, making the hose connection, and coordinating with the apparatus operator. This evolution tested both technical skill and communication.

Preconnect Hose Deployment
Participants deployed a preconnected attack line from an engine, properly stretching and flaking the hose to prevent kinks. At the point of entry, they donned their SCBA facepiece, went on air, and prepared for interior fire attack.

Ladder Placement (24’ Extension Ladder)
Students individually placed a 24-foot extension ladder to a second-story window. Proper angle, placement, and control are critical to firefighter safety and effective ventilation operations.

Forcible Entry (Inward Swinging Door)
Participants performed forcible entry on a residential inward-swinging door, demonstrating proper tool use, technique, and the ability to quickly gain access for fire attack crews.

LRFD Volunteer Participation

A total of 26 students tested that day, including five volunteers from Lookingglass Rural Fire District:

• Enrique Molina-Sanchez – Co-owner/operator of Isabel’s Taco Food Truck and Fire Science student at UCC
• Kellen Nelson – Fire Science student at UCC, also working in property maintenance and landscaping
• Bryan Guzman-Bravo – Employed at Green Collision, enrolled in Fire Science and EMT Basic at UCC
• John Cota – Active with Tenmile Rural Fire District, involved in fuel mitigation projects, Fire Science student, and balancing family and career
• Maxwell Sherman – Began as an LRFD Cadet, participated in the Recruit Ready Apprenticeship Program, currently in Central Douglas Fire & Rescue’s Student Program, and enrolled in both Fire Science and EMT Basic at UCC

These volunteers have consistently utilized their time at the station to complete coursework, train together, and build proficiency in their skills.

Results

Lookingglass Rural Fire District is proud to report that all five of our volunteers successfully passed their TPE.

This accomplishment reflects the dedication, discipline, and work ethic required in the fire service. LRFD congratulates all 26 students who completed the evaluation, and especially those who have earned their NFPA Firefighter 1 certification.

We look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions to the fire service and the communities they serve.