Santa Monica Firefighters Spotlight
May 17, 2018 9:25 AM
by Patrick Nulty
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 issue of Seascape.
Meet Santa Monica Firefighters Luis Echagarruga and Aurora Skarra-Gallagher. Both have gone through the rigorous process of testing, hiring and training to become fulltime firefighters with the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD). We sat down with them to learn more about their backgrounds and what it takes to be a Santa Monica firefighter.
Question: Tell us a bit about your background.
Luis Echeagarruga: I was in the military and served in the United States Navy for 20 years. The first three years, I worked as an engineman (mechanic) for the ships. The other 17 years, I was in the Naval Special Warfare forces, NAVY SEALs. I’m grateful for serving my country and now I can continue serving in this community.
Aurora Skarra-Gallagher: I was a software engineer for 15 years, having earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science. I most enjoyed working for Yahoo! for six and a half years. After quitting my job at Yahoo!, I played professional beach volleyball for a few years while doing software consulting on the side.
Q: Those are major career transitions. What made you decide to become a firefighter?
LE: In 1992, I decided to join the Navy for a few years to save money and get some experience. My plan was to go back east and get into a fire academy in Florida. Finally, at my 20-year mark, I decided to chase my dream job.
ASG: Although I really enjoyed being a programmer, I felt there was something more meaningful I could do. I could work all day and night as a software engineer, but I didn’t really feel like I was making a difference. I decided on firefighting because the core work is to help people on a daily basis, and it’s a very physical career, which matched my lifestyle.
Q: What's it like to be a firefighter in Santa Monica?
LE: Outstanding. Every day is unique. Firefighting is not always that life and death struggle to save someone in a smoky room. There are so many other things that we do, from using sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment to promoting fire safety, from inspecting and enforcing safety standards to demonstrating the use of firefighting equipment, performing practice drills, and working with police and ambulance service personnel.
ASG: Santa Monica is special because we have a great relationship with our community. I also feel appreciative every time we catch a glimpse of the Pier, the ocean and the beaches. We are fortunate to work in such a beautiful and active city.
Q: Describe your experience with the hiring process. Was it rigorous?
LE: RIGOROUS it was! You want to prepare in advance and stay that way. I started with the physical ability test. Then I was invited to take the written test. Once I passed, I was invited to an interview.
ASG: It took me four years to get hired. I started by taking Fire and EMT classes at El Camino College. I continued by attending the El Camino Fire Academy, volunteering at the Hermosa Beach Fire Department as an Ambulance Operator/Fire Intern, and finally by attending Daniel Freeman Paramedic school. Physically, I continued my cardiovascular and high intensity interval training routines, and added a heavier weightlifting component. I also trained with fire equipment such as ladders and hoses and used a weight vest to simulate the heavy gear we wear and carry. I joined a program called Fitness for Future Firefighters first as a participant, and then as a mentor. After getting hired, I had to pass a physical, a psychological exam, and a polygraph test before I was admitted to the grueling Santa Monica fire academy, which prepared me for my year as a probationary firefighter.
Q: Why should people join SMFD?
LE: The Chief and his relationship with the City Manager is paramount. In many communities, without these two understanding the shared need and value, it would be a city without structure. The training is phenomenal. Santa Monica picks the right instructors so that you are prepared before your first day as a probationary firefighter. Lastly is the relationship between you and the firefighters you will be working with for the next 20 to 30 years. You become a family, people you can call brother or sister. You can’t beat it!
ASG: People should pursue a career at SMFD if they want to work for a class 1 fire department that has high standards and provides diverse opportunities for specialization such as hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, and aircraft rescue, in addition to structural and wildland firefighting. It feels good to be supported by a progressive city, and to take care of its citizens.
Interested in joining the Santa Monica Fire Department?
Learn more about the hiring process at santamonica.gov/join-smfd.
Authored By
Patrick Nulty
Fire Captain