Program Information for the Firefighter Scholarship
Candidate
Introduction
The City of Edgewood Fire/EMS Department is a progressive fire department in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The department provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to a 5 square mile residential and light commercial area of Kenton County. Additionally, the department maintains extensive automatic and mutual aid contracts with surrounding cities as well as throughout Northern Kentucky. The department is served by a combination of career, part-time, intern and volunteer personnel committed to maintaining a high quality public service. Background
Nationwide, recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters is a challenging and growing issue. Locally and across the country, the number of volunteer firefighters has declined to critical levels. This has compelled many public safety agencies departments to look towards programs that will encourage recruitment and retention. The growing cost of a college education prompts many individuals to delay or forego their quest for a degree, even though the demand for higher education by employers is at an all-time high. The scholarship program will prove to be an innovative solution to both department manpower needs and student education assistance.
The Program
The Firefighter Scholarship Program is a “tuition in exchange for service” program for college students. This program was developed in response to the vital need for personnel to serve and as an incentive for people to join the volunteer fire service. The Firefighter Scholarship Program is intended to meet the challenge in the Edgewood Fire/EMS Department of recruiting new firefighters while promoting higher education. It is an investment in both our community and the people who protect them.
The program will award a limited number of scholarships who will receive tuition assistance up to a predetermined amount, at an accredited college or university. In return, scholarship recipients commit to service as a firefighter while actively pursuing a degree of their choice. There is no restriction on the academic program you may enroll in. This program is not for everyone. Candidates must have a willingness to meet the physical and mental challenges offered by the fire service, while maintaining the equally rigorous demands of higher education. Eligibility
Must be 18 years of age upon completion of basic recruit training Must be high school graduate or have GED equivalent
Currently enrolled, or planning to enroll, full-time/part-time in an accredited college or university (must meet institutions enrollment eligibility requirements)
Successfully pass criminal background and drivers license check
Benefits
Pursue the degree of your choice College Education Tuition Assistance Resume/Employment Skills
Personal Achievement
Self-esteem and Confidence Building Life-long Skills and Friendships Personal Growth and Team Building Physical Fitness Facilities
Employee Assistance Program Workers’ Compensation Insurance State and Federal “Line-of-Duty” Benefits Modern, State of the Art Firefighting Equipment Modern Office Facilities and Equipment
Uniforms and Protective Clothing Provided Program Requirements
Successful completion of IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting Course in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 1001 and Commonwealth of Kentucky Commission on Fire Protection Personnel, Standards and Education. The Firefighter Level 1 course, such as is offered through Cincinnati State Technical College or the Kenton County Fire Recruit Class fulfills this requirement provided the programs are successfully completed.
Maintain on-call requirements in accordance with an established duty schedule Maintain department training requirements
Abide by established department policies and procedures
Must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more credit hours per semester)
Must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 each semester (a review of the student’s academic transcript will verify that this academic obligation has been met)
Maintain continuous enrollment in an accredited college or university throughout the scholarship duration
Scholarship Selection Criteria
Designed first as a recruitment incentive, selection of scholarship recipients is based primarily on the membership needs of the Edgewood Fire/EMS Department. Financial needs or other qualifications of the candidate are generally not taken into consideration.
The program is designed to create a true partnership arrangement between the Edgewood Fire/EMS Department and the recipient and to create a system for success – not failure. To ensure the overall success of the student, it is imperative that the fire department and each recipient collaborate on a plan for achieving operational and educational success (balancing commitments at home, work, school and the fire department).
A selection committee shall be comprised of the Chief, or his designate; an officer of the Department; the Mayor, or his designate; and at least two representatives from City Council. Selection scoring will be based off the Candidates packet. Grading criteria will entail a 100 point system with the following breakdown:
Essay 30 points
Interview 30 points
Resident of Edgewood 10 points
Pursuit of Fire/EMS Degree 10 points
Current Member 20 points Tuition
The tuition amount will be determined based on the City of Edgewood’s annual budget. At the start of the program, the 2015-16 Fiscal Year Budget scholarship amount allows up to $6000 annually for a maximum 3 scholarship recipient. The amount of scholarship recipients and amount of scholarship dollars will be determined annually by City Council. Payments will be made at the start of each college semester (usually August and January). At the start of the semester, a payment not to exceed one half of the scholarship amount will be made directly to the Bursar’s office of the college or university for tuition or classroom materials.
Service Requirements
The recipient will be asked to provide service to the Department in the manner as a firefighter. An average of 18-24 hours per week will be scheduled. It is the recipient’s responsibility to schedule time with the program coordinator. The type of duties expected can be found in the position descriptions of the Fire/EMS Standard Operating Manual. Training will be greatly emphasized throughout the program. The recipient is expected to adhere to all policies and procedures of the City of Edgewood and the Department Standard Operating Manual
Scholarship Renewal Criteria
The Scholarship program will renew annually, providing the recipient: Maintains all department activity and training requirements
Maintains academic eligibility requirements and submits documentation of such eligibility. Maintains a minimum 2.75 grade point average (GPA) for the duration of his/her studies. Meets the expectations of the program in addition to the expectations of a firefighter
including adherence to rules and regulations applicable to the position.
Successfully pass an EMT (Emergency Medical Technology) class, and obtain a NREMT (National Registry Emergency Medical Technician) Certification within a year of accepting a scholarship position.
Summary
This program has been carefully designed to provide students with a blend of general academic education, firefighting skills education, and work place experience. As many current forms of training become more formalized with grades and college credits, a student’s competency becomes better validated through accountability and performance testing. This enhanced base of education will better prepare an individual for the complex and diverse job duties that today’s firefighters assume. The program creates a win/win opportunity that provides numerous benefits to all those who participate. The fire service gains a higher level of education for its personnel, resulting in an increased level of service to our local communities. The scholarship candidate is able to participate in a unique educational opportunity with maximum learning opportunities. Most importantly, local communities benefit from well trained and competent firefighters who are prepared to deliver a public service that is efficient, professional, and safe.
