Atascadero welcomes female firefigher 

The City of Atascadero hired Colette Layton as a full-time firefighter, the first female to serve in the position in Atascadero in 36 years. She started her first shift last Thursday.

Layton was the number one candidate after taking a written examination, answering several questions from a three member fire service interview panel and an extensive fire chief’s interview in May.

Layton was hired as a reserve firefighter in 2012. She attended Cuesta College and graduated from the Emergency Medical Technician Program, and attended Alan Hancock College and graduated from their fire academy.

“Successfully completing the hiring process for a highly competitive and sought after position as a firefighter is a major accomplishment,” said Fire Captain Matt Miranda and the department’s training officer. “It takes hundreds of hours of training, education and the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience to obtain a full-time career, and we could not be more happy with firefighter Layton’s dedication, commitment and performance,” said Miranda

“Pursuing a career with the fire service is unique in the investment of time and effort required to be a legitimate contender for any job opening,” said Layton. “Without a doubt, it is worth every sacrifice you make along the way. The pursuit itself is part of what molds you into what the fire service is looking for. It requires determination, passion, confidence, a strong sense of self, humility, adaptability, motivation, selflessness and enthusiasm,” she said.

“I cannot express how very happy and proud we all are of firefighter Layton’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing her grow and promote with our department,” said Fire Chief Kurt Stone.