Entering the firefighting and paramedic field can be challenging due to the extensive time, training and costs involved. These barriers often deter people from pursuing this career path, leaving communities with a shortage of these crucial individuals. To address their ongoing staffing shortages, the Wausau, Wis., Fire Department has created an apprenticeship program that supports aspiring firefighters and paramedics by offering hands-on training and financial assistance to accompany their formal schooling from Northcentral Technical College, making the career path more accessible for many.

The Wausau Fire Department has faced significant staffing challenges in recent years. With 10 vacancies, the department struggled to keep up with increasing demands, leading to an unsustainable rise in overtime hours for the current staff. Traditionally, WFD hired one to two new recruits at a time, but with a limited candidate pool, a long-term solution was clearly necessary.

Deputy Fire Chief Justin Pluess and his leadership team devised an innovative approach to recruitment, an apprenticeship program modeled after the trades. “We still require a physical test and background check, but we send recruits through paramedic training while they gain experience on the job,” Pluess explained. “They earn an income and build essential skills simultaneously.”

The idea gained traction after discussions at a fire academy planning session in Maryland, where Deputy Chief Pluess worked with other emergency service experts to brainstorm new initiatives. The apprenticeship model emerged as a viable solution, and after meeting with the mayor, who was highly supportive, the department presented the idea to state officials. A congressional request for $3 million in federal funding is still pending, but rather than wait, WFD moved forward with internal resources to launch the program.

To attract candidates, the department used social media campaigns, a videographer and local news coverage. The city council also played a role in publicizing the program. Two weeks after Christmas, WFD opened applications, receiving 24 qualified submissions. After a rigorous interview process, six individuals were selected to move forward.

For incoming apprentice Jess Myerscough, 28, learning about the program through a church connection was unexpected but life-changing. “The application process was super easy, and they got back to us really quickly,” he said. The accessibility of the program made it possible for individuals like him, who previously felt the fire service was out of reach, to pursue their dream careers.

Recruits begin with a four-week academy that runs Monday through Friday, where they learn department protocols, operating procedures and essential firefighting and paramedic skills. Once they pass this initial phase, they enroll in the hybrid paramedic program at Northcentral Technical College. Classes take place twice a week for two hours, with the remainder of coursework completed online.

Upon completing the paramedic program, apprentices are assigned to a crew and follow a 48-hour-on, 96-hour-off schedule. They become integral team members, learning under the guidance of a field training officer who provides mentorship and daily evaluations.

For Myerscough, the hands-on aspect of the program has been invaluable. “Being the new guy anywhere is hard, but once I got over the first-day nerves, everyone was super welcoming,” he said. “All training so far has been people offering their instruction, and the hands-on experience is extremely beneficial. Even if something goes wrong, you have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from mistakes on the spot.”

One of the major barriers to entering the fire service is the cost of training, especially paramedic school. WFD’s apprenticeship program eliminates this obstacle by paying its recruits throughout their training. Additionally, participants receive a $10,000 lump-sum early engagement benefit, along with a $5,000 reimbursement incentive, toward their paramedic training after completion.

“The financial support makes this program accessible to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to take time off for paramedic school,” Deputy Chief Pluess noted. “We also saw a large number of veterans applying, which shows how impactful this model can be.”

Myerscough, a veteran himself, echoed this sentiment, recognizing how the opportunity provided stability while allowing him to pursue a meaningful career. “It’s a game-changer,” he said. “Without this program, I might not have been able to afford the schooling required.”

Beyond technical skills, the program fosters a strong sense of community. Apprentices work closely with experienced firefighters and paramedics, who provide invaluable mentorship. “You’re constantly surrounded by professionals eager to share their knowledge,” Myerscough said. “That mentorship has been crucial.”

The department hopes that apprentices will remain with WFD long-term after completing their probationary period. “It takes a year’s commitment, but the time and investment will be worth it,” Deputy Chief Pluess said. “This should be the norm for our hiring practice for years to come.”

For Myerscough, the ultimate goal is to become the best paramedic possible. “After paramedic school, I will have a year of probation as a medic, and after that, I’m part of the team,” he shared. The structured progression provides clear milestones, making the journey from apprentice to full-time firefighter-medic seamless.

The success of WFD’s apprenticeship program should inspire other departments across the country to adopt similar models. With public safety staffing shortages on the rise, innovative solutions like this one can help bridge the gap while providing career opportunities for individuals who might not have had a viable path into emergency services. Because of this groundbreaking program and WFD’s dedication to public safety, Myerscough and others like him are turning aspirations into reality, one life-saving skill at a time.

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