KCC Launches Resident Student Firefighter Program

Student Firefighter (Klamath Coummunity College)

KLAMATH FALLS – Klamath Community College is launching an exciting opportunity for students to live at a local firehouse and receive first-hand, real-world experience while pursuing an Associate of Applied Science at KCC.

The new Resident Student Firefighter Program consists of a blend of academic instruction and hands-on emergency response and is designed to provide 360-degree support for people who want a career as a professional structural and wildland firefighter or emergency medical technician (EMT).

Eleven positions are available for the 2018-2019 academic year. Applications are due April 27.

Resident locations are at the Bly, Chiloquin, and Keno rural fire protections districts, and at Klamath County Fire District 1.

“Local fire districts are excited to partner with KCC’s new Resident Student Firefighter program, which will give students valuable training in both wildland and structural firefighting skills, as well as the needed certifications and degree path to be eligible for volunteer and career opportunities,” said Erick Bishop, Klamath County Fire District 1 battalion chief. “This program will also provide professionally trained graduates for future fire protection careers in the Klamath Basin.”

The program provides students a college expense reimbursement up to $4,500 per academic year; rent-free housing at a district firehouse; training toward completion of certifications including DPSST Structural Firefighter I and II, NWCG Wildland Firefighter II and State and National EMT, and opportunities for paid part-time fire service employment during academic breaks.

“Firefighting is a demanding but highly rewarding profession. Firefighters must have the ability to work as a team, and maintain their composure in dangerous situations and under stress,” said Mac Brock, director of KCC’s Klamath Basin Public Safety Training Center. “As a student firefighter, you will be challenged to master physical skills and advance academically.”

Program participants must enroll at KCC and pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Response and Operations (structural fire science emphasis). Participants are required to work one 24-hour shift per week at their assigned fire district.

Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years of age when training begins.
For more information, visit the program website,  https://bit.ly/2IfT2RX, or contact Mac Brock at 541-880-2373 or brock@klamathcc.edu.

Press release provided from Klamath Community College.