Students of the Arroyo Seco Fire Academy were seen on campus March 2, polishing fire hydrants. This tradition of hydrant beautification was originated in Beverly Hills by Arroyo Seco cadets, who would clean and polish fire hydrants throughout the city, which represented the fire department’s commitment to the community.

The two cadets, Gian Guenther and Narek Babayan were using an array of polishing wax and powered hand-held polishers to give the old, tarnished fire hydrants a new shine on life. “We just wanted these hydrants to look presentable,” said Guenther as he cleaned grime and corrosion off one of the hydrants.