City Fire Department mentoring program tonight at fire station
By Laura Collins
Published in News on September 7, 2010 1:46 PM
A new Goldsboro Fire Department program is taking steps to ensure future applicants are well-prepared.
The Goldsboro Fire Department Mentoring Program is geared toward people 16 and older who are interested in a career as a firefighter. The program teaches the basics of the job and the application requirements.
"A lot of people know nothing about the fire service and they don't have any idea what's expected of them in the fire service," said Goldsboro Fire Capt. Bernard Patterson.
The mentoring program, which started in July, meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Each meeting lasts for about an hour and during that time the participants learn about the work readiness certificate, the emergency medical technician course and the candidate physical ability test. In some cases the department will bring in experts to talk about different topics including an instructor from Wayne Community College to talk about the work readiness certificate, which can be obtained through the school.
The students are also taught some medical procedures and will have a training night which will show participants what they can expect on an average day.
"We respond to gun shootings, people that have been cut, possible heart attacks and strokes," Patterson said. "One thing about being a firefighter is that it entails so many things. You go to so many calls where people don't know who to call so they call the fire department. We're kind of like a jack of all trades."
Assistant Fire Chief Lisa Johnson said the program is a good way to make sure everyone is prepared and meets the application criteria when it comes time to apply for a job as a firefighter. She added that the program is not just for young students and is also open to surrounding counties as well.
Those interested are welcome to attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at the Goldsboro Fire Station on South Center Street. Preregistration is not required.