Future first responders step into the boots of firefighters at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery

Community News

Los Angeles, California, Foundation
Before the training session began, students were briefed by members of Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery fire department on key safety protocols and procedures.

Key Points

  • Future first responders from Phineas Banning High School gained hands-on fire safety training at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery.
  • Students in the school’s Firefighter/EMS Magnet program stepped into the boots of experienced refinery firefighters, building confidence and real-world emergency response skills.
  • The partnership helps prepare students for careers in public safety while strengthening connections between industry and education.

Students from Phineas Banning Senior High’s Firefighter/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Magnet program in Wilmington, California, recently got a firsthand look at what it takes to be a first responder during a fire safety training session at Marathon Petroleum's Los Angeles refinery.

These future public safety professionals seized the opportunity to step into the boots of experienced refinery firefighters, learning how to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.

People in firefighter gear pose together.
Students from Phineas Banning Senior High School’s Firefighter/EMS Magnet program pose with members of Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery fire department after a hands-on fire safety training session.

During the multi-hour session, nearly 30 students and three instructors from the program put their classroom training to the test, gearing up and refining their fire extinguisher skills. They also took turns applying the “aim, squeeze and sweep” technique to put out a controlled fire, gaining hands-on experience and real-world practice in staying calm under pressure.

"Getting to train alongside professional refinery firefighters is an invaluable opportunity our students won’t forget."

"This kind of training builds confidence and critical skills for students pursuing careers in emergency response," said Marathon’s Los Angeles refinery Fire Chief Randy Hudgens. "By sharing our knowledge and experience, we’re helping prepare the next generation of first responders while strengthening the connection between industry and education."

Four people in fire gear with a fire extinguisher emitting spray.
Students practice using fire extinguishers under the guidance of the refinery's firefighters during the fire safety training session.

The school’s Firefighter/EMS Magnet program equips students with the skills and experience needed for college and careers as first responders. Beyond the classroom, they gain hands-on training in first aid, CPR, leadership development and community service. Students also visit Los Angeles Fire Department stations, earn Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification and take college courses through Los Angeles Harbor College.

"Getting to train alongside professional refinery firefighters is an invaluable opportunity our students won’t forget," said , coordinator of the school’s Firefighter/EMS Magnet program. "It gives them practical skills, builds confidence and opens their eyes to the many career paths in emergency response, and we’re grateful to Marathon Petroleum for their continued support in helping shape the future of fire service leaders."

A firefighter in a classroom of students sitting at tables.
As part of their visit to the refinery, Matt Lemmons, senior process safety engineer at Marathon Petroleum, shared with students what it takes to ensure safe operations daily and reinforced the importance of continuous training.
While learning to properly use fire extinguishers with the experts, students gained valuable fire safety skills, all while sharing some smiles in the process.