One of the many facets of Coos Bay Fire Department is their Resident Intern Firefighter Program. Resident Intern Firefighters are college-aged students who are enrolled at Southwestern Oregon Community College in either the Fire Science or Paramedic Associates Degree Program; many are dual enrolled in both programs. Typically, the internship is a two year or three year period depending upon the program selected. Interns are assigned to one of the three shifts where they are mentored by career staff. Interns assist career and volunteer staff on fires and other emergencies, as well as assist with other community and department projects. The majority are hired by fire departments or private ambulance companies as full-time career firefighters or paramedics upon completion of their program. Some are even hired prior to completion of the internship program.