In a significant step towards bolstering local emergency services, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with Hillsborough County Affordable Housing, is proud to present the first graduating class of the Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals (STEP) program. The ceremony is set to take place at Armwood High School in Seffner at 1 p.m. on Friday, a momentous occasion for the fifteen students who have successfully completed their rigorous training.
The STEP program was established to provide a pathway for aspirants desirous of embarking on a firefighting career. A competitive selection process whittled down over 140 applicants to the final cohort. These individuals were not only evaluated on their written essays and references but were also subjected to a thorough interview process. Hillsborough County has reported that the training began in January 2025 and included Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) essentials such as CPR and pre-hospital emergency care.
Following the EMT phase, these students progressed to advanced fire academy training. They were immersed in a curriculum of firefighting safety, various firefighting techniques, extrication procedures, ladder drills, and search and rescue operations. This comprehensive training was conducted at the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Fire Academy and administered jointly by the Aparicio-Levy Technical College and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue itself.
Funding for the STEP program came courtesy of a partnership between Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing, who utilized the Community Development Block Grant. A portion of this grant facilitated tuition coverage and provided a wage to the students engaged in the program. Post graduation, these new professionals now hold dual certifications in firefighting and EMT, paving the way for them to undertake the state firefighter examination – the final hurdle before they can seek firefighter positions throughout Florida.
As the ceremony approaches, the STEP program is set to graduate a new group of trained emergency responders. Their completion of the program reflects Hillsborough County’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and preparedness within the community.
