Those who live to protect and serve are in a very unique situation in terms of education. They must bring with them to the job a set of high-level foundational skills and experiences; and, must continuously update these skills and experiences with ongoing training. Firemen, one of the many groups whose job it is to see to the welfare of the community, must also bring to the table some truly unique training--fire science, fire management, emergency management, etc.--that persons in other areas typically do not have. Where do they obtain this training and how do they pay for it?

Where do Firemen Go to Get the Skills they Need?
Many people think that firemen are trained either entirely on the job or at fire training academies. While a great deal of their training is obtained this way, many firemen must also pursue formal fire science, fire management, emergency management, or other training. This type of training may be available at a fire academy--especially if the academy is located in a major urgan center--but more often than not, these courses/programs are offered at a local college or university.

How do Firemen Pay for Formal Training?
Some firemen are fortunate enough to work for large departments where training funds are fairly easy to come by. But for most firemen, unit/city/county dollars for training are hard to come by. For these firemen, educational expenses are a real issue.

When unit/city/county dollars are not available, colleges and universities--especially those funded by public tax monies--may offer a tuition discount/allowance or exemption. This boils down to a reduction in tuition and/or fees for the fireman.

Units/cities/counties and sometimes even states or national agencies may also offer scholarships for firemen who wish to obtain specific training in a shortage field (perhaps emergency management) or for firemen who work in specific areas or agencies (high need areas).

If a scholarship is not available, low or no interest loans or possibly even cooperative work experiences (where a unit/city/county pays for a class or classes that a fireman needs if that class is directly related to the fireman's job).

Are Educational Funds Available to the Children or Spouse of Firemen?
Firemen, like police officers, are considered public servants. If/when something happens to the firemen--either disability or death--the governmental entity employing the fireman, or possibly the state or some other entity, generally offers scholarships or tuition assistance to insure that the children's educational expenses are taken care of. Some governmental entities may even expand these benefits to cover the spouse. Firemen who are disabled in the line of service may also qualify for scholarships or tuition assistance to help with the costs of retraining.

Where Can You Find Information on Education Assistance Programs for Firemen and/or Their Dependents?
The Colleges Forum is a great place to start your search for financial aid for firemen. You should also contact the administrative offices of the fire department where you are employed; your state's firefighter association; the financial aid or registrar's office at the college or university you want to attend; and/or your state's higher education board or commission.

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.