05/11/2026
On Tuesday, May 5, Crafton Hills College honored a legacy of courage, service, and perseverance as Margie Orland stood before a new generation of fire academy cadets to present the Michael Orland Memorial Scholarship to Walter Giles.
Michael Orland dedicated his career to mentoring hundreds of academy cadets and firefighters, instilling in them a commitment to service above self. Known for his leadership in fire service and his tireless efforts to raise funds for meaningful causes, Orland left an imprint that extended far beyond the fire line. After his passing in September 2021 at the age of 54, his family ensured that his legacy would endure by establishing a scholarship in his name—one that recognizes cadets who embody the very qualities he lived by: courage, perseverance, tenacity, and humility.
Each year, the Orland family reviews essays from aspiring firefighters, searching not for just achievement but for character. They look for individuals who have faced adversity, who give back to their communities, and who carry a quiet, unwavering determination—a “don’t quit” attitude rooted in selflessness and service to their community.
This year, they found those qualities in Walter Giles.
Congratulations, Cadet Giles! We are so proud of you!
