Board approves Derby High fire and EMT career pathway; students could be job-ready at graduation

The Derby Board of Education unanimously approved a new fire and EMT career pathway at Derby High School during its March 20, 2025, meeting.

Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson and district staff explained the pathway schema and noted that coursework will be provided in partnership with WSU Tech (EMT) and Butler Community College (fire science). "This pathway would be new to us and contain coursework that would be taught by both WSU Tech instructors for the EMT and by Butler Community College for the fire science," Dr. Putnam Jackson said.

BJ Parsons, chief training officer at the Derby Fire Department, told the board the program aims to expand the local hiring pool for fire service and emergency medical work. "Our hope in doing this is developing the talent in the area and getting qualified people," Parsons said. He said students who complete the full sequence will leave high school with an EMT certificate and Fire 1, qualifications that make them hireable for entry-level fire positions.

District staff said the program requires students to be 17 when they begin and 18 at graduation to meet certification testing age requirements. The district indicated that the state Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding and related program funds will cover certification testing fees and that the pathway is intended to reduce the cost and time students otherwise would pay for those credentials.

Board members expressed support and asked implementation questions about age requirements and post-graduation training; presenters said departments and local agencies have processes (including tuition reimbursement) to support employees' continued credentials and advancement.

A board motion to approve the pathway passed on a voice vote recorded as Pass 6-0.