A program bringing together fire departments, high schools, and Madison College is working to target future firefighters, as departments across the country face challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters.
The program, called Start College Now, brings together area high schools and fire departments with Madison College to provide training using firefighting equipment to certify students in firefighting, as well as get them college credits.
"This is an opportunity for high school students to achieve college credits and also gain firefighting experience," said Joshua Hecht, a lieutenant with the Baraboo Fire Department and an instructor with Madison College.
Programs like Start College Now are helpful in giving potential firefighters a taste of the job, as well as getting them the training early, so departments don't have to wait for them to train in the future.