Volunteerism is down nationally and emergency personnel — and the communities they serve — are feeling the burn.
According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, the number of volunteer firefighters in the state has dropped 32 percent over the last two decades, from 120,000 strong to a mere 80,000. During that same period, emergency calls have skyrocketed.
Firehouses are in desperate need of new recruits and CTE is answering the call.
Career and Technical Education Fire Science programs across the state are training high school juniors and seniors in how to respond to emergencies, fire behavior and prevention and hazardous materials, while providing the kinds of hands-on experiences that draw students to this life-saving career.
While most of New York’s departments are staffed by volunteers, some communities have paid fire companies, meaning that CTE program graduates can go on to volunteer or be eligible for in-demand civil service careers. Graduates of the programs also rack up an impressive list of certifications, some of which come with cash stipends. Some programs give students the opportunity to secure credit for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations from the state’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control, a basic step toward New York firefighter certification.
According to the New York State Education Department, there are six programs currently in operation across the state that offer OFPC credits and at least two more in development. Additionally, there are two programs that are not OFPC-credit bearing.
Questar III BOCES launched its Fire Science program in September 2024 to serve students from Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer counties. The program is a result of collaboration between the BOCES and county fire coordinators and is taught at the Donald R. Kline Technical School in Hudson.
“We know that workforce shortages continue to challenge many industries, and the fire service is no exception. As more first responders approach retirement, it is critical that we build a strong pipeline of skilled, passionate professionals to take their place. Through partnerships like this, we are giving our students the practical, hands-on training and experience they need to serve their communities, said Joal Bova, president of the Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene BOCES Teachers Association.
“Fire science is yet one more opportunity for students to learn about the careers that are available to them and to help their community,” said Stephanie Gardenier, guidance counselor for Rensselaer City School District, where a new fire science program is launching this fall. “Hopefully, this will open a door for students into these fields.”
The Rensselaer City School District program is offered in partnership with the Rensselaer Fire Department and classes will be co-taught by Captain David Mooney and Firefighter John Schumaker at the firehouse. Gardenier and guidance counselor Brandy Cenci, both members of the Rensselaer TA, will help shepherd students through the new program and help them make post-graduation plans.
During an August Open-House at Rensselaer Junior-Senior High School, Schumaker detailed the program benefits for students including high-adrenaline experiences.
“We’re going to set a pod on fire so you can see a fire develop and learn about all the phases,” Schumaker told the prospective students and their families. “When one thousand degrees comes out of a room that’s five-by-ten, well, that’s pretty cool,” he said.
Students in the Rensselaer City School District program will become restricted access members of the fire department. When they turn 18, they will be able to become active members of the volunteer fire department, and at 21, they are eligible to seek employment as firefighters.
“The students are very excited. They asked a lot of good questions, and seemed ready to get started,” Cenci said. She hopes the program generates interest in joining the fire department, whether as volunteers or as employees.
City of Rensselaer Fire Chief William Brooking agreed. “I grew up in the firehouse. We all did,” Brooking said, gesturing to firefighters at the open house. “But there’s no kids running around the firehouse these days, so what we’re trying to do is get these students into the station so they can experience what it’s like and, we hope, grow into these positions.”