PHYLLIS COULTER

NORMAL, Ill. - At the time of year when kids look forward to shiny toy fire trucks comes word of a program for older kids who might want to work on real ones.

The Bloomington Area Career Center's fire science program will begin in August. Although limited to about 20 students, it's open to applicants from 14 area high schools who can college credits and certificates and get hands-on experience.

"I look forward to getting it going," said Bloomington Deputy Fire Chief Les Siron.

Programs combining in-class training and on-site experience are part of a growing trend of high schools partnering with community businesses and organizations, career center director Tom Frazier said. He predicts the career center will see more such partnerships, especially in health care.

The fire science students can earn six dual credit hours with Illinois Central College, East Peoria; earn first responder and CPR certification. Students from Normal and El Paso-Gridley high schools already have applied.

"It would have been impossible to add a large lab (on the Bloomington High School campus)," said Frazier.

Olympia High School counselor Susan Eppley said some of her students have expressed interest. "It's a good way to find out if the career is for them, at no or little cost to them," she said.

Normal Assistant Fire Chief John Grussing agreed. "It will give students a chance to see what the job involves and have a better understanding if it might be for them," he said.

Fire departments spend a lot of money to train recruits, so they benefit from applicants who are familiar with the career. Before Twin City candidates are sent for fire academy training, they must have paramedic training, pass a physical agility test, undergo psychological and medical testing, take an extensive background test and written and oral tests, be at least 21 and have a high school diploma.

Both Bloomington and Normal fire departments saw a dramatic drop in eligible applicants in 2007 because applicants now need two years of paramedic training.

With that in mind, the new program is something Bloomington Fire Chief Mike Kimmerling has wanted for a few years. He said he sees definite benefits for both students and the fire departments, and likes the opportunity to find more local recruits.

And for the students, having two local fire departments means exposure to more information. Bloomington's department excels in handling hazardous materials; Normal has equipment for technical rescues.

Area rural fire departments and the county emergency medical system are also involved. Topics will include fire behavior, safety, self-contained breathing apparatus, ladder and fire hose use, building construction, and ropes and knots.


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