Commissioner Arace and Commissioner Sadeghi Partner with Ocean County Vocational Technical School to Propose Firefighter and EMS Training Program

In a significant step to address the critical shortage of firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals, Commissioner Robert Arace spoke about the proposal of a comprehensive two-year program in partnership with the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). This program proposal covers the fundamentals of firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the National Incident Management System, and Firefighter I. This initiative is designed to equip students with the skills and certification needed to join the fire and EMS workforce immediately upon graduation.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our county has faced an alarming decline in EMS workers. In 2018, there were 22,000 certified EMTs in New Jersey. However, by 2023, this number had decreased by 3,000 to only 19,000 EMTs. These vacancies have had a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our residents, especially our large senior and disabled veteran populations,” said Commissioner Arace. Commissioner Sadeghi echoed these sentiments, stating, “This proposal is a critical step forward in addressing the dual challenge of workforce shortages and public safety. By providing a pathway for young individuals to pursue careers in firefighting and EMS, we are not only investing in their futures but also in the safety and resilience of our communities. This program is about safeguarding the health of our community and ensuring that when emergencies arise, help is available.”

The new Firefighting and EMS Training Program will provide students with a robust curriculum, hands-on training, and certification in both firefighting and emergency medical services. By partnering with OCVTS, the county ensures that graduates will be job-ready, addressing the urgent need for qualified emergency services professionals across Ocean County. Current Fire and EMS Training programs will still be available for adults who wish to become volunteers within their community or expand upon their training through elective courses.

Ocean County has one of the highest concentrations of seniors and veterans in New Jersey, with over 30,000 veterans alone. Many of these individuals rely heavily on timely and efficient emergency medical services. The program’s focus on cultivating a pipeline of skilled EMS workers aims to close the gap in vacancies, enhancing the county’s overall emergency response capabilities.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues here on the Board to make this proposal a reality,” Arace continued. “It’s a win-win for our county: students gain access to meaningful and rewarding careers, and our residents benefit from the strengthened safety net these professionals provide.”

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