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Helena College revamps Fire & Emergency Service programs to meet emerging demands
By: Alexie Aguayo
and last updated 2021-04-08 17:47:57-04
HELENA â Helena College is revamping its Fire & Emergency services programs to meet the emerging demands while also helping local volunteer fire departments.
The United States and Montana face a shortage of volunteer firefighters. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, around two-thirds of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers, but volunteer numbers fell 17% from 1984 to 2017 when it reached a low point, while over the last 30 years, the volume of calls has tripled.
The additions recently announced to the program includes a path to higher education while in the Fire & Emergency Service career, an option that the Helena Fire Assistant Chief says fits perfectly in an industry that is no longer just about fighting fires.