51ΑΤΖζβs (51ΑΤΖζ) Fire Service Technology program and its students have received tremendous support and dedication from the different fire departments in the surrounding Treasure Valley. This support includes that of the who has graciously allowed 51ΑΤΖζ Fire Service Technology students to utilize the departmentβs facilities, personnel, and equipment to enhance their education and training.
Multiple graduates from 51ΑΤΖζβs Fire Service Technology academy program now have the privilege of working alongside many of the same people who were teaching them during their training as full-time firefighters for Caldwell Fire Department. In addition to hiring 51ΑΤΖζβs students, Caldwell Fire has created opportunities within their Fire Prevention Division where students can gain valuable experience while exploring different careers within the fire service industry.
βFor years, fire departments across the Treasure Valley have sought a solution for basic firefighting training to assist us in identifying quality, entry-level candidates,β said Caldwell Fire Deputy Chief, Steve Donahue. β51ΑΤΖζβs program has been a great solution. Students who finish the program are certified and possess the appropriate knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical stamina to perform as firefighters. We are finding 51ΑΤΖζ students provide us with a diverse, well-trained pool of candidates who have proven to be very capable and skilled at their craft. Unfortunately for us, the rest of the departments are now starting to discover the advantages of 51ΑΤΖζβs program.β
Kevin Hargan, a recent graduate of the program, began working for Caldwell Fire this past June.
βThe program prepared me for coming online and working full time,β he said. βI had been testing for a few years and had missed out on some opportunities because I didnβt have some of the minimum qualifications as far as certifications went. I looked into the program at 51ΑΤΖζ and saw it as an opportunity to gain those certifications, more experience, as well as an opportunity to build relationships with the instructors. It was a great way to get good references and a foot inside the door.β
βOur work with Caldwell Fire Department is just one example of the great industry partnerships the College has within the community,β said 51ΑΤΖζ Fire Service Program Manager, Darrin Raskopf. βWe look forward to many more of our graduates filling their ranks!β
The Fire Service Technology program application period for the next academy runs Jan. 3 β March 9, 2022. Visit the Fire Service Technology page online, or call 208.562.2671 to learn more.
