Madison County Career Tech fire science program expands to 44 students; certifications and bridge program required
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Summary
Officials reported expansion of the Madison County Career Tech Center fire science program from an initial 8 students to 22 completers last year and 44 enrolled for the upcoming year; students earn firefighter I and II and HAZMAT credentials but must complete a five-week bridge program at Alabama Fire College for state employment pathways.
Madison County Schools officials updated the board on growth of the Career Tech Center's fire science program, which administrators said began last year with eight students; 22 completed the program last year and 44 students are enrolled for the upcoming school year.
Speaker 1 said program completers receive multiple credentials, including Volunteer Firefighter I, Firefighter II and HAZMAT awareness and operations certifications. "So they've got volunteer firefighter 1, they've got firefighter 2, and then hazmat, awareness and operations," Speaker 1 said when asked about credentials.
Board members and staff noted an additional five-week bridge program through the Alabama Fire College is required before students may pursue employment across the state. Speaker 1 described the bridge program as the next step: "Once they go through the, finish the bridge program, they can pretty much, apply any anywhere in the state, for a career in the fire service," according to the public transcript.
Board members welcomed the program's expansion and noted student participation from multiple attendance zones. The transcript does not specify ongoing funding sources or long-term program budget details.