The Monroe Fire Department announced that the Louisiana Fire & Emergency Training Academy (FETA) and the High School Training Program Committee has approved the agency’s application to become one of a handful of fire departments in the State of Louisiana to provide firefighter training to local high school students .
The High School Firefighter program is a collaborative effort between the Monroe Fire Department, Monroe City School System, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office to provide training and prepare high school students with professional credentialing for a career in firefighting.
Students must be 16 years of age or older to enter the program and must be at least 17 years of age to participate in live fire evolutions prior to qualifying for an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) approved certification exam.
The Basic Firefighter I Course will prepare students with training in hazardous materials awareness, hazardous materials operations, and basic firefighting. The Advanced Firefighter II Course will expand their knowledge with training in incident command, vehicle extrication, and advanced firefighting skills. All training will be held at the Monroe Fire Department Public Safety Center and training grounds by the department’s training staff along with assistance from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and FETA.
“We’re excited about being able to provide this early avenue into public service to students who are unsure about what they want to do after high school or who simply have a passion for becoming firefighters,” said Chief Terry Williams.
“The Louisiana Fire Service is strong in dedication but struggling in numbers. This program aims to reignite interest in serving our communities as first responders and we’re overjoyed to have the Monroe Fire Department on board,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams.
“As superintendent of Monroe City Schools, I am excited about this new partnership with the Monroe Fire Department. This cooperative endeavor will provide career opportunities for students to become professional firefighters, not just locally, but anywhere in the state of Louisiana. I believe that this career pathway will provide our students the opportunity to become productive, tax-paying citizens immediately after high school. I want to thank Chief Terry Williams and his staff at the Monroe Fire Department for allowing our students to work toward pursuing a viable career that will contribute to the betterment and safety of our community.” – Sam L. Moore, III, Superintendent of Monroe City Schools.
Students interested in learning more about the program or who want to sign up to participate can inquire with their high school counselor.