City of Gadsden Training Future Firefighters with RC&D Grant Funds
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford announced that the Gadsden Fire Department has been awarded $11,600 – that will be used to improve its career-tech program for local students. The funds were received from the Coosa Valley RC&D Council and will be used to purchase three interactive multimedia panels for the classroom.
In 2023, the city re-launched its “career-technical education program” at its new Fire Training and Prevention Center, located next to the Gadsden Airport. The GFD is partnering with Gadsden City High School, and with the Etowah County School System for the Emergency & Fire Management Services program – aimed at the students interested in pursuing careers in those fields.
Gadsden Fire Chief Wil Reed said “We’re thankful for these funds and it’ll be another way to improve our career-tech program; this will benefit the Gadsden Fire Department and help the other volunteer fire departments around the county whose members go through our program.” High School Seniors who complete that program, will receive a volunteer firefighter certification (VF160) through the Alabama Fire College.
Then, they’re all eligible to complete a short, five-week bridge course for professional state certification as a Firefighter I.