DAYTON, Ohio — For many high school students, choosing a career path is a big decision, and some are intimidated by heading to college. That's why one Ohio School District is offering a unique firefighting course.
The Fire/EMS CTE program, which was created in 2019, allows students to learn the basics of firefighting as well as other lifesaving skills.
“We are proud to offer a program that allows students to graduate ready for a promising career in Fire/EMS," Dayton Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said. "This training will prepare students to serve their community and positively impact the Dayton area. The partnership between DPS and the City of Dayton will not only benefit students, but all Dayton residents because the City will have stronger safety forces as a result."
One of the students enrolled in the course is Hayley Sue Howard, 16, a junior at Belmont High School in Dayton.
She said she enjoys the class because it makes her feel like she’s making a difference.
“It makes me feel like I have a purpose,” she said.
The students participate in lecture and hands on learning such as learning the basics of how to extinguish a structure fire.
Something she said benefits her because she’s a tactile learner.
“After you do it, what’s in the book makes sense,” Howard said.
Howard has big dreams and she believes she’s on the right path to get there.
“I want to be a firefighter,” Howard said. “I want to take the Captain’s job actually. I want to rise through the ranks and get as high as I possibly can.”
Dayton Fire Department Chief Jeff Lykins said he’s hopeful the program will continue to grow because this is helping the fire department recruit and become more diverse.
“When you have the young talent, the young diverse talent that we have in our school systems, it would really be a miss to not take advantage of that,” Lykins said. "And this is a wonderful opportunity and we’re excited about it.”
In total for 2020-21, 22 students were enrolled in the program to start the year. Of those currently enrolled in the Firefighter I Certification Class (grade 11), 50% are female and 25% are minorities. In the Foundations of Firefighting & EMS Class (grade 10), 50% are female and 50% are minorities.
Lolli said this program appeals to students with a practical mindset find employment right out of high school.
“It’s really important for us to understand that there are students that do not choose to go to college at this point in their lives as they graduate,” Lolli said. “So to be able to graduate with a certification, or with fire training 1, making sure that they have their EMT, all of that enables them to be marketable and to get an entry level job immediately.”
Students are allowed to enroll in the program starting in 10th grade, and by graduation they will be ready to step into the line of duty in an entry level position.
Another student who is enjoying the class is Belmont junior Duil Navarro, who plans to become the first firefighter in his family, said helping people is what calls to him.
“I don’t like the idea of just sitting on a couch and or a chair in an office just doing nothing all day,” Navarro said. “I like the idea of having unpredictability — all that stuff, just waiting for the moment where randomly I’ll get a call and have to help someone who’s in danger.”
Both Navarro and Howard said having immediate job security is a huge driving force behind taking this course.
“It means a lot because all of my peers are really worried about what they’re going to do with their future,” Howard said. “And especially through times of economic instability, like COVID, just knowing that I’m going to have a job when I get out of high school is really helpful.”