Northcentral Technical College (NTC) was one of four recipients of a $25,000 Youth Firefighter Training grant from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
“We recognize the growing demand for qualified volunteer firefighters within our community,” said Jeannie Worden, NTC president. “To address this urgent need, it is crucial to attract people into the emergency services when they are young so that they can form a lifelong connection, whether as a first responder or as a community supporter.”
The grant will help fund a new program, NTC’s Youth Firefighter Academy, which will train high school students to be Firefighter Level 1 volunteers or employees and prepare them for the emergency medical responder certification exam.
“It’s all about public safety. Our Wisconsin fire departments do more than fight fires. They are on the frontlines of all aspects of community safety,” said DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth before presenting the check. “We’re proud to present these funds, and to further Gov. Tony Evers’ efforts to work with local communities and other partners to help keep Wisconsinites safe.”
Recruitment and retention have become key issues for many Wisconsin fire departments, particularly the all-volunteer station. The Youth Firefighter Grant Program is designed to help address these concerns by exposing high school students to career and volunteer opportunities in the fire service at a time when they are making decisions about their future careers and endeavors.
Next year, NTC will train up to six high school students to be Firefighter Level 1 volunteers or employees.
NTC has six campus locations in Wausau, Antigo, Medford, Phillips, Spencer and Wittenberg.
Youth Firefighting Training grant presented to NTC
