Santa Monica Fire Department Serves as Host to Australian Firefighter during Fellowship

Station Officer, Michael Yates, from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Australia, currently serving as Recruit Course Coordinator with the Queensland combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane Queensland, will begin a one-four month fellowship with the Santa Monica Fire Department's Training Division in May. The focus of study and research is the American Fire Service Training methods and processes. He will work in the SMFD Training Division and eventually have the opportunity to visit with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Beverly Hills, and Culver City Fire Departments. Officer Yates' fellowship is an internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship provided by the Australian Government that supports citizens from eligible countries to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia, and for Australians to undertake these programs overseas. The program provides various study and professional opportunities. Officer Yates looks forward to his tenure here in Santa Monica and the surrounding communities and is grateful to those who are hosting his stay, including the Crown Plaza Hotel LAX in Los Angeles.