Monroe County fire rescue will host second ‘hot shots’ training program for local residents

GRASSY KEY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has approved a second Monroe County Fire Rescue “Hot Shots” program. The program is a free firefighting and first responder training for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer for three years or work as a firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys.

The program waives the $2,200 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 Monroe County’s Joe London Fire Training Academy facility on Grassy Key, MM 56.6.

The classes begin Sept. 23, 2019 and run through Jan. 17, 2020. Students who successfully complete all 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program will be prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter I and II examinations.

There is an orientation meeting on Monday, Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Joe London Training Academy. Information regarding required insurance and gear rental will be provided at that time. Interested participants will take a written test and physical agility test at this meeting and will need a medical form signed by a physician that states they are medically fit to perform firefighting duties, and a signed affidavit that says they do not smoke or use other tobacco products.

Class Rules and Regulations, the New Applicant Packet, and more information can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots.

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own instructional book, Essentials of Firefighting 6th Edition. They will also be responsible for rental fees for required bunker gear, accommodations, if necessary, and transportation to the academy.

Due to the high cost of living, the purpose of this program is to decrease the high turnover rate of firefighters. Non-residents can enroll in the firefighting courses, but qualified local residents will receive preference in the enrollment process.

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