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Madison, Wisconsin — Training programs for high school students interested in becoming first responders have gained momentum over the last few years.
Demand for first responders is high across Wisconsin, with many departments needing more firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
The NextGen Responders Academy at Madison College is committed to training more students and encouraging them to join the field.
But participating in this program is no ordinary day in high school. There are no desks or transit periods. Instead, these teens of him put on their turnout gear and see what it takes to be a firefighter.
Adam Perez is a firefighter in Madison and has been an instructor at the NextGen Responders Academy for seven years.
He said that being part of the program is not a day at work and he is excited about the future firefighters that will come out of it.
“That’s one of the things I feel you can find out if they’re capable of. From there, along with the industry, you can pave the way for a career as a firefighter or paramedic.” Perez said.
There are 18 students in the class. Course instructors provide classroom lectures and hands-on training so students can apply what they’ve learned.
This kind of hands-on training allows students to get a feel for the work.
Due to the shortage of first responders, programs like this are designed to help get young children interested in participating in the field.
“There is a desperate need for responders in this region,” Perez said.
For high school senior Zuriel Chavez, being part of the program is a dream come true.
(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)
“I never thought I’d be able to do this. It’s a class of 18 people, so I’m very lucky,” Chavez said.
On Thursday, the students donned their equipment and received search and rescue training at the facility.
They wore turnout gear and had their faces covered. They then had to search around the room to find out where they were.
This is the scenario many firefighters face when a room fills with smoke and visibility is obscured.
While enjoying a career as a firefighter, it was an opportunity to experience things that many high school students cannot.
“It definitely puts me in a higher position than before. [having] From zero knowledge to a series of knowledge experienced by firefighters themselves. I’m doing it in fourth grade, so I’m doing it faster than anyone else,” Chavez said.
(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)
Perez said it never gets old to see this kind of spark, and you can watch teenagers find a passion that one day turns into a career.
“Once I get to see them mature and grow, it’s a heartfelt feeling to be able to say, ‘You’re good enough for this long-term job,'” Perez said.
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