MONROE COUNTY GRADUATES 27 STUDENTS FROM SECOND MONROE COUNTY HOT SHOTS PROGRAM THAT FUNDS LOCAL RESIDENTS

GRASSY KEY, FL – The second graduating class of the Monroe County “Hot Shots” training program at the County’s Joe London Fire Training Academy wrapped up on Friday, Jan. 17 with 27 new graduates successfully completing the 456 hours of intensive classroom and rigorous practical training over the past 3.5 months.

This program – approved and funded by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners – provides free firefighting and first responder training for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to work or volunteer as a firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys for three years.

The program waived the $2200 curriculum fee for qualified local residents – 18 and older with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED – to take the Firefighter I and II courses at the County’s Joe London Training Facility on Grassy Key.

The students successfully completed 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program and are now prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter I and II examination. To be hired at Monroe County Fire Rescue, a candidate must also complete EMT training.

“I would like to thank this group of individuals who came together as one and chased the dream of becoming a firefighter,” said Charlie Mather, Monroe County Fire Rescue Training Chief. “I have challenged you and pushed you this entire program and I have one more challenge for you, I challenge you to be the best you can be.”

The purpose of this program is to decrease the high turnover rate of firefighters, which is costly and disruptive. Due to the high cost of living, Monroe County Fire Rescue routinely hires firefighters who live on the mainland and commute to their assigned stations throughout the Keys.

Of the graduating class, 25 were from Monroe County and had their class fees waived. More information on upcoming classes or about the program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by emailing [email protected]. There are no new classes scheduled at this time.

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