The City of Gadsden Fire Department is partnering with Gadsden City High School and the Etowah County School System to provide a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for seniors, beginning next year with the class of 2024.
The "Emergency and Fire Management Services" program is aimed at students who might be interested in pursuing a career in those fields.
It will teach students the value of teamwork and making a positive impact in the community, and it will also prepare them to be career-ready after graduation.
“I am proud of our fire department leadership for working with schools to inspire students to explore high-impact careers like public safety,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “With students coming on-site to our training facility and learning what it means to manage fire and emergency services, they will leave with a deeper appreciation for the work these professionals do. Some may even realize this career path is a calling they want to pursue after graduation.”
After successful completion of the program, students will receive a volunteer firefighter certification (VF160) through the Alabama Fire College. Then, they are eligible to complete a short 5-week bridge course for professional state certification as a Firefighter I.
The program will be offered only to seniors, and it will be taught at the Gadsden Fire Training Center located by the Gadsden Airport at 5121 Airport Road in Gadsden.
Those that are interested can fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/WeAsvb1SvcQ2kgW1A