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Dolton fire chief outlines apprenticeship program to recruit residents into EMT and firefighting careers
Summary
Fire Chief Curtis presented a public-safety apprenticeship/first-responder training program modeled on a prior cohort; the chief said the program will target Dolton and Thornton Township residents, follow state and federal credentialing, and not cost the village directly.
Fire Chief Curtis told trustees the village plans to expand a prior youth program into an apprenticeship that prepares residents to become EMTs and firefighters. He described prior cohorts where participants completed training and several went on to become EMTs, firefighter-EMTs or paramedics who now work at area agencies.
"This program is for South Suburban kids... residents of Dolton and Thornton Township," Chief Curtis said, adding the program will follow all state and federal mandates and will not violate collective bargaining agreements. He said the program would not cost the village directly.
Board members asked whether participants would be required to follow standard hiring exams and whether the program would give participants an unfair advantage. Chief Curtis said participants must test and be credentialed like any other applicant and will not bypass standard certification or hiring steps.
Trustees endorsed the idea and noted the program could help introduce career pathways for residents and keep trained first responders in the area.
