Applications are now being accepted for the Manhattan Fire Department’s student firefighter program.
The program is open to college students 18 and older attending K-State, MATC or Manhattan Christian College. Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes likens the program to a paid internship.
“The statistics on the number of people we have that go through the program and then join our fire department and get promoted, is pretty unreal,” he said.
Almes says several current firefighters, including himself have taken part in the program. While some have gone on to be firefighters, others have gone on to other successful careers. Almes explains some of the requirements for those who apply.
“They can work up to 1,000 hours a year. They go through our normal fire academy if they’re hired and then they work on shift,” he said.
Almes calls the program a springboard for many careers.
Applications must be turned in to the Manhattan Fire Department by Feb. 25.
