Calcasieu Parish School Board juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to jumpstart a career as a firefighter thanks to a new pilot program.

The High School Fire Academy is the result of a partnership between the Lake Charles Fire Department (LCFD) and CPSB. Starting in the fall, participating students will attend classes at the College Street Vocational Center five days a week.

The idea for the Academy stemmed from LCFD Chief Delton Carter’s own experience. As a high school student, his career path was unclear, he told the American Press. He served in the United States Army after graduating high school. Then, he returned to Lake Charles to serve the city. Now, he is excited to instruct the pilot program and guide young people who are experiencing similar uncertainties.

“I hope that I am able to inspire the next generation of our workforce, just as I was, by showing them the value of serving our community in a very noble profession.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said in a release he is just as excited to see Carter’s idea be implemented.

“When Chief Delton Carter originally presented the idea of a High School Fire Academy, I was intrigued,” he said. “He has done an incredible job of investigating other similar programs across the state and working with CPSB officials to map out a solid game plan for this program that will offer students a new opportunity to complete high school with a great career ahead of them.”

The coursework is modeled after the training conducted in the Basic Fire Academy. It includes topics on hazardous materials awareness and operations, fire science, basic life-saving measures, agility training and, of course, firefighting.

A criminal justice course will be taught alongside the firefighter training, teaching students about law enforcement practice and concepts, including law, public safety, correction, and security. CPSB Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Tony McCardle told the American Press that the two courses will equip students interested in a career as first responders with knowledge and skills. In the long term, the region will benefit because CTE promotes economic growth and fulfills workforce needs.

Fire Academy classes will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Criminal Justice will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday.

After completing the firefighter course students will have the opportunity to take the firefighter credentialing exam, making them “work ready” after graduation, he said.

Firefighting is a unique career because students can jumpstart their career at 18 with a diploma or GED, Carter said. The Fire Academy will expose students to this opportunity by innovatively addressing far-reaching firefighter shortages.

“The fire service is steeped in the courageous tradition of saving lives and protecting property. Like many careers in public safety, shortages have been an issue nationwide for several years now.”

LCFD currently employs 130 firefighters. The department has openings for 24 additional firefighters.

“By offering a high school fire academy, we are helping these students get a step ahead.”

Additionally, LCFD can now hire firefighters part-time, allowing students who wish to pursue higher education while working for the department.

“No matter which path these students choose, participation and successful completion of the High School Fire Academy is an open door to a career,” he said. “The call to serve your community as a firefighter is a noble one, and we hope students who feel led in this direction will answer the call.”