Sen. Farry and BCCC Announce Partnership to Offer Fire & Emergency Services Co-Op Program for High Schoolers

 State Senator Frank Farry (R-6) and Bucks County Community College announced a partnership among the Bucks County Emergency Health Services, Bucks County Community College, and several local Bucks County high schools to offer a Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program for students entering 12^th grade in the 2025-2026 school year.

The no-cost program will be held in the second half of the school day at the Lower Bucks Public Safety Training Center in Croydon, and will offer 400 hours of industry training, nine (9) college credits, and multiple professional (ProBoard) and industry certifications.

The Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program is not only for students interested in joining a fire department or ambulance squad, but also for students already involved in a volunteer fire and/or EMS company who would like additional training. The program will also be beneficial for students who want to get a jump-start on a college degree, want to be able to apply for a live-in program near a college or university, or those needing the industry minimum to get hired as an EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, nurse, physician assistant, and other similar careers. EMS providers, municipal fire departments, county 911 centers, and law enforcement agencies are always seeking qualified candidates with the type of skills the co-op offers.

“I know firsthand the difficulty our local volunteer fire departments have with recruitment and retention of new members,” said Farry. “I have been happy to champion legislation in Harrisburg to aide in these efforts and this new co-op program will be a fantastic opportunity for our students, while recruiting the next generation of volunteers to help protect our community.”

Farry, chief of Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company since 2001, an active member of the organization for thirty-five years, and chair of the Senate Fire & EMS Caucus, secured the state funding to start the program and worked with Bucks County Community College and local school districts to develop the Co-op.

“Bucks County Community College is committed to empowering students with real-world skills that lead to meaningful careers,” said Dr. Patrick M. Jones, President & CEO of Bucks County Community College. “The Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program not only provides valuable training, but by partnering with local schools and industry leaders, we are ensuring that students receive a head start on both college and career pathways, all while serving a critical need in public safety.”

The Bristol Borough School District offers a similar if not exact program for its upper level high schoolers since 2022. That program, the first of its kind in the state, is being used a model for other  districts to replicate.

For additional information concerning this program, please email Matthew.Hatrak@bucks.edu or call 610-227-5467.