Frank Gomez, Jr. is an alumni of both LA Conservation Corps’ Clean & Green and Young Adult Corps programs.
Frank Gomez was an LA Conservation Corps participant for 10 years. He began with the Clean & Green program in middle school, and then joined the Young Adult Corps once he was in high school. Frank says he kept participating in the LACC programs throughout school because he always enjoyed public service, "and the Corps is all about helping out the community." The youngest of four siblings, Frank was a determined soul from a young age, believing that if he worked hard he would achieve his goals of getting through school and into a meaningful career.
One day the local Fire Department visited his high school campus and sparked his interest in becoming a fire fighter. So after graduating, Frank enrolled in Rio Hondo College to major in fire technology. Then, after college, he started working with the LA County Fire Department as a civilian, while continuing to apply for an LA City fire fighter position. Frank finally got called in for an interview, but was asked if he had ever had Lasik eye surgery, which he had just undergone. Unknown to Frank, new recruits have to wait an entire year after this surgery before they can be considered for hire! He was disheartened at first, at first, but then his trademark determination kicked in. He kept in touch with the recruiter, even though he was worried he wouldn't get invited back or pass they eye exam. Taking it one day at a time finally paid off: Frank made it into the Fire Department Training Academy after six years of trying. Today Frank is working his first "rookie rotation" in Chatsworth. He recalls how supportive LA Conservation CorpsC staff were about him "going to college and making something of my life." His advice to corpsmembers today: avoid the temptations of partying, even when there are challenges and you feel like quitting sometime. Use your faith and both the positive and negative examples set by others around you to keep you on track to your goals.