Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation awards $75,000 to support EMS Youth Academy in Vallejo
May 18-On Monday the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation awarded a $75,000 grant through its community fund to support the Robbin Mackbee Firefighter/EMS Youth Academy, a nine-month program in Vallejo that provides mentorship, life skills, and career exploration for youth interested in public safety careers.
Operated by Support for Actively Rising Youth (SFARY), the after-school academy serves young people facing academic, social and economic challenges by connecting them with professional firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who mentor participants and provide hands-on training in emergency response and community safety.
The grant will help expand training opportunities for approximately 30 high school cadets, including instruction in fire behavior, fire extinguishment, CPR certification, first aid and disaster preparedness.
"This is one of the most impressive firefighter training programs I've seen," said Yocha Dehe Fire Chief Shawn Kinney in a news release. "These young cadets are already gaining strong urban firefighting experience, and we are looking forward to welcoming them here in May to build on that foundation with hands-on wildland training. Supporting the next generation of firefighters is an investment in the safety and resilience of our communities."
The program aims to have the youth learn about the science of fire, CPR, basic first-aid and disaster preparedness while building leadership, discipline, and academic focus. Participants also give back to their community by educating younger students and families about fire prevention and safety.
"Community service is a core principle of our program, and we take great pride in contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve," said Battalion Chief Byron Berhel (Retired), founder and CEO of SFARY. "We empower our student cadets to expand the program's public safety impact through initiatives like our Elementary School Fire Prevention and Safety Program. We are deeply grateful to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the City of Vallejo Fire Department, Medic Ambulance Company, and the Vallejo City Unified School District for their continued support and partnership."
In 2025, academy cadets reached more than 3,000 children and families through fire safety demonstrations and community outreach. Similar engagement efforts are planned for 2026.
"For generations, the Patwin people have believed in caring for community and investing in young people," said Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council. "Supporting programs like the Firefighter Youth Academy reflects those values. By helping young people build confidence, learn life-saving skills and pursue careers in public service, we are strengthening communities across Patwin ancestral territory.
Last month the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation gave an investment of $450,000 over three years to expand the Momhi Scholarship Program with Solano Community College through the Solano Community College Educational Foundation. The investment will provide $150,000 annually in scholarship funding, helping students from Vallejo of all ages access higher education opportunities.
The tribe has also been involved in opposition to the proposed efforts of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians to develop a large casino project on 160 acres of land in Vallejo. The project includes the construction of 24 single-family residences, a tribal administration building, parking garage and a 45-acre biological preserve area on a 160-acre property located within and adjacent to the city boundary in Solano County, near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 37. The casino facility, at a cost of $700 million, would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation says that project poses a significant threat to amici's cultural, governmental, and economic interests.
"Vallejo is Patwin territory, and it always has been," Roberts said earlier this year. "We are confident the final record will reflect that. Scotts Valley has no claim here -and their latest statement even admits this is not their ancestral homeland."
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