Events
New Firefighters Ready for Duty
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 18, 2024) – Seventeen new firefighters are ready to join the front lines. The cadets are the latest graduates of the Wake County Fire Academy, a partnership between Wake Tech and Wake County, and were honored at a special graduation ceremony Tuesday.
The graduates received their firefighter badges and certificates during the ceremony. All of them have employment as firefighters with area fire departments.
The recruits are the second cohort to graduate as part of a new program called Career in a Year. The program is open to anyone who has the heart and desire to perform important work fighting fires and ensuring the safety of Wake County residents. No experience is necessary, and recruits earn a full salary and benefits while training to become a certified firefighter.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved funding for the program in alignment with its goal of increasing diversity among firefighters across Wake County. The program has made strides toward that goal, with the latest academy increasing overall diversity by 33%.
The 38-week course includes certifications in firefighting, hazardous materials, incident command system, rapid intervention and technical rescues. Graduates also receive their basic EMT certification.
Recruitment efforts for the next Fire Academy are underway through June 28.
Learn more about Fire Services at Wake Tech.
