Richland High School (Rankin County School District) - Program to promote career opportunities within the fire service

Partner: Richland Fire Department

Students impacted: 45
Volunteers: 15
Partnership duration: 1 year 

Richland High School continually seeks assistance from members of the community to increase students' college and career readiness. With a focus on fire-service careers, Richland Fire Department Chief David Stanley presented a plan to RHS leaders to develop an internal pool of applicants who would be trained and ready to work after graduation. Students had to receive parental consent to participate. The initial plan was presented to juniors and seniors and has grown from 8 to 15 cadets since its implementation. The fire department provides personnel and equipment, and the school provides the location for the training academy. 

Activities:

  • CPR certification
  • Safety, search and rescue procedures
  • Emergency removal of victims from cars
  • Equipment training
  • Fire suppression skills, etc.

Impacts:

  • Cadets have demonstrated improved attendance and behavior
  • One cadet will be hired as a Richland firefighter after graduation in May