In a collaborative effort to educate and encourage young firefighters, the Owatonna Fire Department and Riverland Community College have launched a High School Firefighter Program for eleventh and twelfth-grade students this year. This exciting new initiative marks the first time such a program has been offered in the area, and it has been met with a warm welcome from students and firefighters alike.

One of the major benefits of the program is that there are no out-of-pocket costs for the students involved. Additionally, upon completion, participating students will not only earn college credits but also have the opportunity to receive state certification in firefighting.

Students enrolled in the High School Firefighter Program will attend classwork sessions at school while experiencing hands-on days at the Owatonna Fire Department throughout the school year. The comprehensive curriculum covers all the essential firefighter courses necessary for certification through the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board. Students will have the chance to become certified at the Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations levels – qualifications often sought by many fire departments.

The successful launch of this program demonstrates the community's commitment to fostering the skills and knowledge of its aspiring firefighters. This partnership between the Owatonna Fire Department and Riverland Community College exemplifies the benefits of joint efforts to invest in the future of public service.