Firefighters bond at Hoodland volunteer academy

By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times

It was a difficult time to find a job when Patrick Cornwell graduated from college. The world was in the throes of the Covid pandemic.

With a kinesiology degree from the University of La Verne in hand, he knew he wanted a career that made a real impact, something that would make a difference in people’s lives. The student track athlete from Napa Valley moved to Oregon City and started out as a physical therapist’s aid.

“Then I veered off to 911 and got my EMT and started applying to EMT positions and fire academies,” Patrick said. 

He landed a position as an emergency medical technician for Comtrans. After more than nine months at the nonemergency medical transport company, he joined American Medical Response emergency transport services full time this August.

He also was accepted to join the Hoodland Volunteer Firefighter Academy last October. “I got the opportunity at Hoodland,” Patrick said. “I love going in and pulling shifts working alongside experienced firefighters.”

Now 28, Patrick was named The Mountain Times Fire Focus Firefighter for August, earning his firefighting badge in March in the physically demanding training program. His career goal is to become a full-time firefighter paramedic, hopefully in Oregon. 

“Being here in central Oregon would be ideal,” Patrick said.

Born and raised in Napa Valley, Patrick graduated from Vintage High School. He moved to Oregon City to be with his girlfriend. 

“I haven’t questioned my decision since,” he said. “I love it here in Oregon. There’s just so much to do. You’ve got the coast an hour away. You've got the mountains an hour away. You’ve got the city. 

“We’re very outdoorsy. We like being on the water. We like hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking. Our go to spot is Estacada Lake.”

Patrick counts his Hoodland firefighting academy classmates among his best friends.

“I consider everyone I went to academy with good, close friends. Going through such an extensive, difficult academy like that builds your relationship with guys you went through it with.”

Hoodland Fire District relies heavily on its volunteers, responding to approximately 1,000 calls per year. Volunteers work side-by-side with professional firefighters, providing critical emergency medical care and fire suppression services. 

The academy is accepting applicants for the volunteer firefighter training program this summer. Reach out to Lt. Evan Jarvis evanjarvis@hoodlandfire.gov with questions.