Wake County celebrated the graduation of its newest certified firefighters this week. The 22 graduates finished nine months of firefighter and EMT training and are the latest group to complete Wake County’s nationally acclaimed Career in a Year program.
“With our county’s population on the rise, we will depend more than ever on these courageous people who are willing to dedicate their lives to saving others,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “I’m awed and grateful for this next generation of fire service members, and I’m proud that the Wake County Fire Academy has been able to support them at the start of their careers.”
As Wake County grows by about 66 new residents every day, the demand for public safety services grows, too. The Career in a Year program is an innovative way Wake County is addressing that need by recruiting new talent to the fire service. Program participants receive a full salary and benefits while they train to become firefighters.
The recent graduates will now go on to support six local fire departments: Apex, Northern Wake, Durham Highway, Wendell, Fairview and Hopkins. This class saw high academic achievement, with all recruits earning an academic average above 88%.
The Wake County Fire Academy is made possible through a partnership with Wake Technical Community College. The program is not currently in a recruiting period, but those interested can submit an interest form and read more at wake.gov/firecareer.
