Fire Department Internships: A Stepping Stone to Your Firefighting Career

Fire department internships serve as invaluable stepping stones for aspiring firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals. These programs offer hands-on experience, specialized training, and often, financial assistance, providing a significant edge in a competitive field. This article explores the requirements, benefits, and opportunities associated with fire department internships, drawing upon examples from various fire departments.

The Value of Fire Department Internships

Internships provide qualified candidates with hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This practical exposure is crucial in a field that demands both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Internships offer a chance to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios, solidifying understanding and building confidence.

These programs can be a launchpad for a career. They provide invaluable experience, training, and networking opportunities that can significantly enhance a candidate's prospects in the fire service.

Key Components of Fire Department Internship Programs

Training and Certification

A primary focus of fire department internships is comprehensive training. Many programs offer the opportunity to gain essential certifications in fire and EMS. For instance, the Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department provides its interns the opportunity to receive EMS certification to the Wisconsin Advanced EMT Level, State of Wisconsin Firefighter II Certification, Motor Pump Operator - Pumper, and Fire Inspector. These certifications are highly valued in the fire service and can significantly boost an intern's resume.

Educational Opportunities

Many fire department internships are integrated with academic programs. Interns may be required to be enrolled in or accepted to a Fire Science program at a local college. The Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department, for example, requires interns to be enrolled in or on the waiting list for the Fire Protection Program at Madison Area Technical College, with the internship lasting for the duration of the associate’s degree program (2 years).

Financial Assistance and Benefits

Recognizing the financial demands of education and training, some fire departments offer various forms of financial assistance. These may include tuition assistance, monthly stipends, and reimbursement for books and educational materials. The Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department provides students accepted into their internship with tuition assistance, bi-monthly stipend, paid certifications, and free housing. Laramie County Fire District #1, in an effort to support post-secondary education and bolster the Fire/EMS response capability of Laramie County, has opened the doors on its new internship program. Volunteer Interns or Residents may receive educational reimbursements of up to $10,000.

Hands-On Experience and Responsibilities

Interns are typically assigned to a duty shift and participate alongside experienced firefighters and EMTs. This involves responding to emergency calls, performing assigned duties as a team, and contributing to the daily operations of the firehouse. Laramie County Fire District #1 operates on 3 shifts each lasting 48 continuous hours. The intern will participate on the shift they are assigned. If they are unable to do so they must find another qualified firefighter to take their place for the portion of their shift they cannot attend.

Living in the Firehouse

Some internship programs offer the unique experience of living in a firehouse. This fosters camaraderie and provides a deeper immersion into the firefighting culture. Intern firefighter/EMTs will also experience the camaraderie of living in a firehouse while performing assigned duties as a team.

Requirements for Fire Department Internships

Educational Prerequisites

A common requirement for fire department internships is enrollment in a fire science or related program at a post-secondary institution. The candidate must have applied to or be enrolled in the Fire Associate's Degree at Madison College. To remain in the Internship Program, interns must maintain at least a 2.5 overall Grade Point Average in all classes. This includes non-fire science courses required for degree completion by your post-secondary institution. Volunteer Interns or Residents are expected to have a high school diploma or GED, and be pursuing a career and/or college degree in the fire and EMS fields.

Application Process

The application process for fire department internships can be competitive and may involve submitting detailed application materials, undergoing interviews, and meeting specific deadlines. The candidate must thoroughly complete all application materials before the stated deadline. Intern application process begins each December.

Commitment and Availability

Interns are expected to commit to the program's duration and fulfill their assigned responsibilities. This often includes working assigned duty shifts and participating in training exercises. This position requires one 8-hour shift per week, scheduled Monday through Friday. Interns and Residents are required to work assigned duty shifts every month.

Maintaining Standards

To remain in good standing, interns must adhere to the fire department's policies and maintain satisfactory performance in their academic studies and practical duties. At any time, for any reason, Laramie County Fire District #1 retains the right to dissolve this contract and remove the intern from the program and remove them as a member of Laramie County Fire District #1’s staff. Finally, should at any time the intern decide to withdraw from their agreed upon fire science program, they are still eligible for volunteer status within Laramie County Fire District #1.

Examples of Fire Department Internship Programs

Wauwatosa Fire Department

The Wauwatosa Fire Department offers an unpaid, training-based internship. The Wauwatosa Fire Department will offer a stipend to current interns who finish certain programs. The payment will only be made if the intern successfully completes the program and earns State of Wisconsin certification (fire) or licensure (EMS) while still enrolled in the intern program. No payment will be given for certifications or courses completed before starting the program. Stipends will be paid in full, and interns will receive a 10-99 form each year for tax purposes.

Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department

This department provides a comprehensive internship program that includes EMS certification, Firefighter II Certification, Motor Pump Operator - Pumper, and Fire Inspector training. They also offer tuition assistance, a bi-monthly stipend, paid certifications, and free housing for selected interns. Our department offers in house fire/EMS training to help keep our staff trained to today’s ever changing standards. The Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department provides financial assistance for tuition and additional trainings.

Laramie County Fire District #1

This program focuses on mentoring and developing student firefighters, providing them with experiences they cannot receive inside the classroom.

Fire District 3 (Washington)

Depending on the program, benefits include housing, monthly stipends, educational reimbursements of up to $10,000 and retirement benefits through the Washington Volunteer Firefighters Association. You also will earn preference points in the hiring process for a career position with Fire District 3.

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