OCALA, FL. (352 Today) — A new program from Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is giving high school seniors the opportunity to graduate with a job offer—and a head start on a life-saving career.
MCFR has officially launched the 2025/26 First Responder Academy, an immersive training initiative for local high school seniors interested in firefighting and emergency medical services. The program allows students to complete their Firefighter I certification during the school year and join the department immediately after graduation.
Graduates of the academy will be hired directly by Marion County Fire Rescue and continue their education to obtain Firefighter II and EMT certifications, the next steps in becoming fully certified first responders.
The academy builds on the foundation of the previous Career Academy offered through Marion Technical College in partnership with Marion County Public Schools. While that program ended, MCFR has revived and expanded its vision by managing the training process directly.
Students enrolled in the First Responder Academy will split their time between regular high school classes and hands-on fire service instruction. The program includes physical training, classroom education, and scenario-based drills to prepare students for the real-world demands of the profession.
The program is part of a broader effort to recruit, train, and retain emergency personnel locally, amid national staffing shortages in public safety sectors. By starting early and investing in local students, Marion County hopes to strengthen both its workforce and community ties.