Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) has launched the Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals (STEP) program to prepare future first responders. The program, created in partnership with Aparicio-Levy Technical College, provides students with dual certification in Emergency Medical Training (EMT) and fire academy training. According to a Hillsborough County press release, tuition is free and students receive a wage during training.
Funding for the STEP program comes from the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). After a selection process that includes essays, references, and interviews, 15 of the 26 graduates from the fire academy last month were STEP participants.
The STEP curriculum includes CPR, pre-hospital emergency medicine, and patient assessments, followed by firefighting safety, techniques, extrication, and rescue exercises. Graduates meet the 492-hour requirement of the Aparicio-Levy Technical College Fire Academy and earn both firefighting and EMT certification.
In its first year, more than 140 residents applied to the program. As reported by Hillsborough County, the initiative addresses the growing need for qualified firefighters and EMTs and provides a pathway for residents to join fire and rescue services.
