Retired CHC Fire Alumnus Presents Full Sponsorship to New Cadet

Publish Date: Feb. 25, 2020

On Thursday, February 6th, Mike Orland, retired Captain for San Manuel Fire Department and CHC Fire Academy #34 graduate, presented a full-ride sponsorship for Academy #102 to Cadet Bryan Davidge.

Orland was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2019. Rather than focusing on his illness, he directed his attention to help others. Specifically, Orland committed himself to helping CHC Fire Academy cadets with what he calls a “jump start” into the fire service. This is his second Academy sponsorship with the inaugural gift having been presented in September 2019. He told the class of 29 cadets that providing this scholarship is selfish. Orland explained, “This is recharging me. This is helping me deal with my cancer.” He encouraged the cadets to be “selfish”, explaining that as a firefighter, they will often receive more benefit from their feeling of gratitude than those who receive their help.

Orland also talked about the struggle he faced when trying to select just one cadet. He said of the six cadets who applied that “all of you are deserving in your own ways.” He selected Davidge as the recipient when he focused on the purpose of this scholarship. “This scholarship is predicated on community service, on being a good person,” Orland remarked; “It is about what you’ve done to get here today and how you’ve lived your life.”

In addition, Orland presented Fire Chief Mike Alder with additional funds to be used for the Fire Academy Assistance Fund. Chief Alder established this fund with the CHC Foundation in February 2018. Many of the cadets are under great pressure financially to be able to stay in the program as the cost to cadets is between $3,000-$4,000 for tuition, uniforms, equipment, books, and certifications. This Assistance Fund has allowed program faculty to help cadets struggling financially. In many cases, these funds have made the difference between a cadet continuing in the program or dropping out.

If you want to team with Orland and provide financial support for the CHC Fire Academy, please contact the CHC Foundation at 909-389-3245.