MCS students here about options from industry veterans
In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), members of our local fire service community visited students at the Martin County Schools Innovation Campus.
Martin Innovative Early College students and those taking other classes at the campus were able to hear directly from the veteran firefighters about work-based learning opportunities while they are still in school and local post-high school opportunities towards making the fire service their career.
Chief Michael Peaks with Williamston Fire-Rescue-EMS invited students to consider the department’s Junior Firefighter Program, which is designed for rising 9th graders to get an up-close and personal look at fire service life.
“It exposes you to what we do for a living,” Peaks said, “and will hopefully encourage you to join our department once you turn 18”.
What does it mean to become a junior firefighter? Peaks explained the program in more detail.
“You’ll answer calls and train right alongside us,” said the former junior firefighter. He went on to share that he took advantage of opportunities that allowed him to do his EMT class at 16 years of age and took the state exam at 17. Peaks had to wait until he turned 18 to get his certification.
He went on to explain participation in the program qualifies students to be eligible for an array of scholarships, regardless of the degree they may pursue.
Williamston Fire-Rescue-EMS is also joining forces with the MCS Career Technical Education department to once again offer an internship slot at the station which is separate from the Junior Firefighter program.
The veteran firefighter gave students a realistic look at the current need for people joining the fire service and offered them a challenge.
“When you dial 911 you want somebody to come, right?” he asked one group. “Well, be the difference. Be that person that comes when someone dials 911.”
Larry Johnson, a retired firefighter and coordinator of Martin Community College’s Fire Training Program, followed Chief Peaks.
“In 30 years there was not one day I got up and said I wish I didn’t have to go to work today,” Johnson shared with the group. He went on to tell the students about the MCC Nighttime Fire Academy, which is for graduating high school seniors who have completed high school. A May start to the 480-hour program leads to December graduation.
The program, which meets three nights a week and two Saturdays a month, delivers the North Carolina Firefighter Certification Program.
“When you graduate from it you will be a North Carolina Certified firefighter,” explained Johnson. “Our goal is to prepare you to go to work at a career fire department.”
Program participants no longer have to be a volunteer firefighter and should be able to complete the course with no financial obligation.