On Oct. 14, the Augusta Fire Department and Richmond County school system announced a joint program to allow high school juniors and seniors to train as firefighters and learn life-saving skills.
Augusta firefighters and EMTs will provide first-hand training, teaching and mentorship to high school students interested in a post graduate career in emergency services, according to a press release from Augusta Fire Department.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to explore a community-based career before they graduate,” said Fire Chief/EMA Director Antonio Burden. “Even if they choose not
to become a firefighter after graduation, the lessons and skills these students will learn
can make a positive impact on themselves and their families for the rest of their lives.”
According to Jason DeHart, public information officer with Augusta Fire Department/EMA, “This has been in the works for at least the last year.”
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DeHart said the program previously stopped running in 2019 and is now being revamped to mimic more of a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps’ model.
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“The program really focuses on training these young people like they are recruits,” he said. “Previously, it was more fire safety and some skills. This is more organized curriculum and almost like an internship with the fire department and learning about what it takes to be an Augusta firefighter and what the job entails.”
DeHart said the program prepares applicants for the prerequisite testing it takes to become a firefighter, but also teaches young people the actual skills a real firefighter learns, like CPR, emergency medical trauma and incident command.
“If a teen was already going to plan on joining the fire department, this can almost be seen as a first interview,” DeHart said. “Especially with these pay raises about to kick in in November, becoming a firefighter is that much more of an attractive job.”
DeHart said designated advisors will lead both classroom teaching and hands-on experience at each week’s session.
The Explorer Program starts in November and runs until mid-May. Each training session will take place at an Augusta fire station on a Saturday.
Interested students must be 16 years of age or older and a junior or senior at a Richmond County high school. Applicants must also pass a physical and maintain a 2.5 or above grade point average.
Richmond County guidance counselors will have more information regarding getting a student involved with the program.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com
