Los Angeles Fire Department
08/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/15/2026 11:09
LAFD Chief and Los Bomberos de Los Angeles Award Scholarships to Two Cadets
The Los Angeles City Fire Department, joined by Los Bomberos de Los Angeles, honored two Fire Department Cadets this month with scholarship awards recognizing their commitment to service, education, and personal growth. Matthew Barrera of Post 11 and Grace Boaziz of Post 87 were selected for their dedication to the Cadet Program and their pursuit of careers in the fire service.
Matthew Barrera, Post 11
For more than two years, Matthew has served as an LAFD Cadet assigned to Post 11 at Fire Station 11, contributing more than 500 volunteer hours across Operations Central and Operations West Bureaus. Through the program he has built a strong understanding of Department operations, tools and equipment, emergency medical response, and teamwork, along with a deep appreciation for the responsibility of serving the public.
During the scholarship selection process, Matthew stood out for his professionalism, compassion, humility, and work ethic. Inspired by his father's example, he has balanced work, school, and family responsibilities while staying focused on his goal of becoming a Los Angeles City Firefighter. The Department is proud to support his continued education as he takes another step toward that goal.
For more than two years, Matthew has served as an LAFD Cadet assigned to Post 11 at Fire Station 11, contributing more than 500 volunteer hours across Operations Central and Operations West Bureaus. Through the program he has built a strong understanding of Department operations, tools and equipment, emergency medical response, and teamwork, along with a deep appreciation for the responsibility of serving the public.
During the scholarship selection process, Matthew stood out for his professionalism, compassion, humility, and work ethic. Inspired by his father's example, he has balanced work, school, and family responsibilities while staying focused on his goal of becoming a Los Angeles City Firefighter. The Department is proud to support his continued education as he takes another step toward that goal.
Grace Boaziz, Post 87
Grace has graduated high school and completed her EMT certification at UCLA, and she is now working toward an A.S. Degree in Public Service. As an LAFD Cadet, she is pursuing her Engine and Truck company certifications, participating in the LAFD CAPS Program, and helping teach EMT students, all while teaching at Los Angeles Valley College.
Grace is also a graduate of the United States Forest Service Wildland Academy, Class 29, where she developed the mental resilience, discipline, and teamwork that continue to shape her path in public safety. She plans to use the scholarship to attend Paramedic School as she works toward a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Grace has graduated high school and completed her EMT certification at UCLA, and she is now working toward an A.S. Degree in Public Service. As an LAFD Cadet, she is pursuing her Engine and Truck company certifications, participating in the LAFD CAPS Program, and helping teach EMT students, all while teaching at Los Angeles Valley College.
Grace is also a graduate of the United States Forest Service Wildland Academy, Class 29, where she developed the mental resilience, discipline, and teamwork that continue to shape her path in public safety. She plans to use the scholarship to attend Paramedic School as she works toward a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
A Shared Commitment
Both cadets reflect the values at the heart of the LAFD Cadet Program: mentorship, discipline, and a genuine desire to serve. The Department congratulates Matthew and Grace on this recognition and looks forward to seeing their continued growth as they work toward careers protecting the city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Fire Department published this content on August 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 15, 2026 at 17:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]