On Thursday, March 24, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement between Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County School District, allowing Escambia County students of certain fire service and medical programs the ability to ride with different fire companies throughout the county while receiving hands-on experience.
Led by ECFR's training division, students from George Stone Technical College, West Florida High School of Advanced Technology and Pine Forest High School interested in pursuing a career in fire rescue can obtain hands-on experience by participating in ride-alongs with ECFR firefighters. Students taking courses that require mandatory clinical hours can obtain those hours through the ECFR partnership.
“This partnership between Fire Rescue and the School District allows students the opportunity to gain a hands-on experience while in school," said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "It also can provide career opportunities for students interested in entering the workforce upon graduating high school.”
The approval of the Interlocal Agreement between ECFR and ECSD is an amendment to the Emergency Medical Services First Responders Program implemented on Jan. 19, 2021.
“This partnership is an excellent program for Escambia County and the School Board while benefitting our youth interested in pursuing a career as a first responder in their community," said ECFR Deputy Chief Paul Williams. "The students can gain valuable experience and training while giving the county the opportunity to recruit local talent. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for the department to hire these students in an entry-level position while attending class to get their minimum training. We are very excited about the implementation of this program and look forward to the future."
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