It’s difficult to overstate the dedication and professionalism of our fire, EMS and emergency services here in Sullivan County. We see it every time we report on some piece of sad or tragic news where they were the first on the scene, rendering aid to those in need. We think about them during the holidays when they might be called away from their friends and families to answer the call for help. 

We hear a lot about the need for new volunteers and the need for more people to aspire to this selfless work. 

That’s why it’s good news that Sullivan County BOCES has recently partnered with the county to provide new educational opportunities for teenagers with the goal of increasing interest in becoming a volunteer or paid firefighter or emergency responder.  

In his most recent newsletter, Sullivan County Manager, Josh Potosek explained how the Fire Science/EMS Program is designed for students who think they may be interested in these fields. Positions such as these are consistently in high demand.

Potosek said that the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire enthusiastically supports the new program as it could help to swell local volunteer ranks.

“Instead of having to choose between afterschool activities and firefighter training, our local young people will be able to take fire service classes during the day and still participate in sports and clubs in the afternoon and evening,” County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild said in the newsletter. “The end result is that we’ll have more well-trained members in our local fire departments, who themselves will be able to help us recruit even more critically-needed volunteers.”

Potosek says the program consists of one year of study for each component. The first year focuses on  fire science, and second year focuses on emergency response and becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). 

Students in this program will have the opportunity to learn from talented industry professionals and follow the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control curriculum and the New York State EMT curriculum. 

The program is anticipated to roll out this January. 

There’s numerous ways one can help out. To learn more, visit facebook.com/joinsullivanfire or email joinsullivanfire@gmail.com.

By investing the time and resources to train the next generation of volunteers and paid professionals, we can ensure the future of Sullivan County continues to be in good hands.