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The North Douglas County Fire & EMS Student Firefighter/EMT Program is
intended for individuals looking for a hands-on experience while enrolled in school
directed towards a career in the Fire or EMS service. The program is designed to
reflect what the student will experience during their pursuit to become professional
firefighters and EMT’s. This is accomplished with assignment to 48 hour shifts with
career staff, participating in District training, and periodic individual evaluations on
performance.
Our student program members are given exacting training and professional
supervision. They are expected to perform their assigned duties and are held
accountable for doing so. Students are expected to assist fire department staff with both emergency and non-emergency service activities. This includes, but is not limited to: emergency response, fire prevention activities, hydrant and hose testing,
vehicle and station maintenance, and regular training. Graduates of the program find themselves to be highly competitive for future job openings in the fire and medical
fields.
Program members are college students attending the accredited school as a full-time student. Students will be considered a part of the “on-duty” crew and will be required to work days, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Shifts are 48 hours in duration
with 96 hours off in between shifts. They are given time off to attend their classes,
provided required uniforms and equipment, trained to exacting standards, and will be able to use department vehicles for transportation to and from all school-related activities.
Housing/Facilities
As part of your student program experience, we highly recommend that you live
inside or near our fire district. While on shift you will stay at our Station #1 living
quarters. Inside the “Annex” we have three personal bedrooms, private showers, a
full-use kitchen, personal laundry facility, big screen TV, high-speed internet, and a
quiet training room that you can use to study in. If a student is interested in living at our station, full-time on their days off, arrangements can be made on an individual-
ized basis.
Student Program Criteria
Students must be at least 18 years of age at time of application
High School Diploma or GED
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, have three years of driving experience, and possess an acceptable driving record
Students must go to school full-time (12+ credits) at an accredited institution of their choice and working towards a degree in Emergency Medical Technology, which can also include work to earn a degree in Fire Science. Students must attend school at least three terms a year (most students take summer term off)
Students must maintain a 2.75 GPA each term and submit a copy of their term-by-term transcript at the conclusion of each school term for verification of GPA.
Students must display levels of physical fitness required to perform essential fire and EMS duties.
Students must be able to pass a background check, medical examination, drug screen, and respiratory fit test (yearly).
Student Benefits
$2000 reimbursement tuition stipend per term to help cover the costs of school
Up to $500 reimbursement stipend per term to cover the cost of books/supplies
Potential dorm space for living in a fire station (first-come, first-served basis)
Gain valuable workplace experience
Uniforms and equipment are furnished for regular duty work
Term-by-term mentorship and assistance in meeting graduation requirements
Training for required skills and advancement
Possible fire training includes: NFPA Firefighter I + II, NFPA Driver, Wildland Firefighter I + II, Wildland Engine/Crew Boss, Hazmat Awareness/Operations/Incident Commander, etc.
EMS training includes: EMT Basic, biannual CPR/First Aid Certification, EMT refresher training for biannual recertification
Other trainings include: ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
Interested in learning more or applying? Call (541) 836-2282