To engage college-aged students interested in a future career as a firefighter or emergency medical service worker, the Chehalis Fire Department plans to launch a student firefighter program in January 2016.
Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale presented the department’s plan at the Chehalis City Council meeting on Monday night. The goal of the program is to allow students interested in a career path with a fire district to get first-hand knowledge of the job.
According to Cardinale, the program would allow for eight students, which equates to two students per shift.
Candidates for the program will be selected in a similar way as entry level firefighters with an application process and an oral interview before a selection is made.
Participants need to be attending a community college, with a preferred major in fire technology, have a valid driver’s licence, be at least 18 years of age and have personal health insurance to participate.
Those selected in the course will not engage in active fire situations, Cardinale said, but would participate in ridealongs and post-fire operations.
Cardinale said there are benefits for the students, fire district and the community through the program.