A total of 26 individuals recently completed Hillsborough County's Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals program. The program offered training in both Emergency Medical Technician skills and fire academy courses. Participants received free tuition and a wage during the program, which was funded by community grants, according to the Hillsborough County.
Javier Del Rosario, a Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals program graduate, chose the program over joining the police academy after talking with a firefighter, saying, "The opportunity was great," and "I'm really blessed. When I found out about (the STEP program), I was really excited." Another graduate, Amari Jackson, said, "It has truly changed my life." The program is funded by Hillsborough County Affordable Housing through the Community Development Block Grant, which helps cover education and living expenses. More than 140 applicants competed for spots through essays, references, and interviews. The program started in January 2025, beginning with Emergency Medical Technician training and continuing with fire academy courses on safety, extrication, and emergency response, as reported by the Hillsborough County.
The Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals participants have completed the 492-hour requirement at Aparicio-Levy Technical College Fire Academy and earned certifications to work as firefighters anywhere in the state. They have passed the state examination, marking the end of their training and the start of their careers in emergency services. "I was able to provide for my family and still pursue a career," Jackson said, as mentioned by the Hillsborough County.
