Answering the Call: Pingree Grove Fire Department Apprenticeship
Creation Date: 01/20/2026
The Pingree Grove Fire Department recently celebrated the success of a cohort of five students who completed the Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) training as part of their apprenticeship pathway into the fire service.
In addition to completing BOF, students participated in a paid internship, with up to 100 hours of ride-along opportunities available through funding from the ICWS Grant. Through this experience, students gained hands-on exposure to emergency response operations while working alongside career firefighters, strengthening their technical skills, professionalism, and understanding of day-to-day fire service responsibilities.
As of January 1, 2026, all five students have advanced into the next phase of the apprenticeship and are now actively earning their On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours. This reflects the strength of the partnerships among education, workforce development, and the Pingree Grove Fire Department in creating a meaningful, career-connected opportunity.
This highlights how apprenticeship programs, supported by employer collaboration and grant funding, can create real opportunities for individuals while strengthening the public safety workforce in local communities.