Program begins in the 2019-2020 school year.

The Dayton Public School District announced the launch of a new Firefighting / EMT / Public Safety CTE program in partnership with the Dayton Fire Department (DFD) at a press conference Wednesday, April 10.

The four-year program at Belmont High School will prepare students to apply for entry-level positions with the DFD upon graduation. Students will have the opportunity to take the Ohio Firefighter I and the EMT state tests. Seniors may pursue the Firefighter II and other career opportunities during his or her capstone experience.

“As the proud mother of a Firefighter/Paramedic, I am excited and pleased that we can begin the Firefighting program at Belmont High School in 2019,” said Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli. “Freshmen and sophomores are invited to enroll at Belmont to become Firefighters or EMTs as their future careers.”

Classes will be taught by DFD instructors and will include courses in career exploration and emergency medical services, as well as prep classes and certification courses for Firefighter I and EMT exams.

“The Dayton Fire Department is truly excited to be partnering with Dayton Public Schools in this venture,” said DFD Director and Chief Jeffrey Payne. “This program is an extension of the Dayton Homegrown Heroes program we are currently administrating.

Initially, the program will allow for 20 freshmen and 20 sophomores.

“This will be a sustainable and ongoing path to have a more diverse firefighter membership serving our citizens,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “This is going to be invaluable to our community, to our citizens and to our organization.”

Students must print and complete the Student Career Tech Application Packet and return it to his or her counselor by Friday, April 26.