MADISON, Wis. — A training program for high schoolers interested in becoming first responders has been picking up steam over the last few years.
First responders are in high demand across Wisconsin and many departments are in need of more firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians.
The NextGen Responders Academy at Madison College is working to train more students, encouraging them to join the field.
But being a part of this program isn’t your average day of high school. There are no desks or passing periods. Instead, these teens are putting on turnout gear and seeing what it takes to be a firefighter.
Adam Perez is a firefighter with the city of Madison and he’s been an instructor for seven years with the NextGen Responders Academy.
He said being involved in the program never feels like a day of working and that he’s excited about the future firefighters that will come out of it.
“This is one of those things that I feel like they can find out if they are capable or not. From there with the industry, we can help pave the way for a career as a firefighter or paramedic,” Perez said.
There are 18 students in the class. Instructors in the course deliver classroom lectures and hands-on training, so students can put to use the things they’re learning.
This type of hands-on training allows students to get a feel for what it’s like to be in this line of work.
With a shortage of first responders, a program like this is designed to help spark interest in young kids to join the field.
“There is a desperate need for responders in the area,” Perez said.
For high school senior Zuriel Chavez, being a part of this program is a dream opportunity.
“I never thought I would get to do this and I am very fortunate to get to because it’s a class of 18 people,” Chavez said.
On Thursday, the students put on their gear and went through search and rescue training at the facility.
They wore their turnout gear and had their faces covered. Then, they had to feel around the rooms to find where they were.
This is a scenario many firefighters face when rooms are filled with smoke so thick there is no visibility.
It was a chance to have hands-on experience that many high schoolers don’t get, while looking forward to a career as a firefighter.
“It will definitely put me at a higher spot than I was at before, from [having] zero knowledge to a bunch of knowledge that firefighters themselves go through. I am doing it at my senior year, so I am doing it earlier than everyone else would,” Chavez said.
Perez said seeing this type of spark never gets old and he is able to witness teens finding a passion that will one day turn into a career.
“Once I can see them mature and develop, it is a great heartfelt feeling that I can say ‘you are good enough to do this long term,’” Perez said.