Kodiak Island Fire and Emergency Medical Services Program Announced

Kodiak College and Island Grad Project (IGP) are proud to announce an innovative partnership to launch Kodiak Island Fire and Emergency Medical Services (KIFEMS), a free, accelerated training academy. This program is specifically designed to provide students with comprehensive training and industry certification in just five months, preparing them for a career in firefighting and EMS.

Island Grad Project President, Robyn Callahan, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to join forces with Kodiak College to offer a program that not only meets the industry’s demand for skilled professionals, but also continues IGP’s efforts to provide pathways to workforce programs that meet the needs of our community.”

The collaboration between Kodiak College and Island Grad Project aims to address the critical demand for certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians. With an emphasis on hands-on training and practical skills development, this program ensures that graduates are equipped to excel in their careers from day one.

Students will undergo an intensive curriculum at the college in the evenings and some Saturdays at Coast Guard Fire that covers essential topics allowing them to earn the following industry-recognized certifications in just five months: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazmat Awareness and Operations, BLS Provider, and Emergency Medical Technician I.

The program integrates hands-on training modules to simulate real-world scenarios, providing students with practical experience. KIFEMS founder, coordinator, and lead instructor Patrick Callahan says that this program is a life-changer for students. “Upon completion, they walk into a good career field where they can grow, challenge themselves, and have a stable job with good wages and excellent benefits.”

Kodiak College Director, Jacelyn Keys, expressed gratitude for the efforts it took to build this program, “ Patrick has been talking to me about the dire need for trained firefighter/EMTs and has been working on a solution for two years. It truly does take a village of dedicated, passionate people to create opportunity and change. I am excited to be working with IGP, local Coast Guard and Coast Guard Fire leadership, the City of Kodiak, and Kodiak Fire Department, to bring Patrick’s vision of a stable recruiting platform for local fire departments and family-wage careers for locals to life.”

Applications are due December 1, fill out your application now! Information is also available at Island Grad Project. For more information contact kefems@islandgradproject.org.

This project was made possible by a grant from the State of Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health, and RurAL Cap.