The Cherokee County Career & Tech Center along with the Alabama Fire College and the Cherokee County Association of Fire Departments is offering a brand new curriculum to high school students interested in joining the volunteer fire service.

The Cherokee County Student Fire and Emergency Services Training Program will kick off this school year and is being offered to seniors throughout the school system.

Classes will be taught at the Centre Fire Station and lead instructors will include EMA Director Shawn Rogers and Centre Fire Chief Jeremy Lee.

Director Rogers and Chief Lee along with McCord’s Fire Department Chief Rich Lindsey stopped by the WEIS Radio studios on Tuesday afternoon to talk in depth about the program.

That’s Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers.

Chief Lindsey said that for some time now, one of the biggest weaknesses in the volunteer fire service is recruitment and retention. Hopefully with the inception of this program, this will help to boost those numbers across the board.

State Representative Ginny Shaver helped to secure $20,000 to help fund the cost of the course over a period of two years ($10,000 per year). Director Rogers along with Chief Lee will help teach the course along with other instructors from within the county and from the Alabama Fire College.

Chief Jeremy Lee said that there are some great benefits for students that choose to participate and complete the course.

Students who are interested in participating in the course should contact their school counselor. Parents/Guardians who have questions or concerns about your student participating can contact Director Rogers at the Cherokee County EMA Office at 256-927-3367, Chief Lee at the Centre Fire Station at 256-927-3333 or Chief Lindsey at 256-484-1229.