A student uses a fire extinguisher in a grassy field as a firefighter watches

Students at Berea Community High School (Berea Independent) learn how to use fire extinguishers properly as part of the fire science pathway. Photo submitted by the district

Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, two additional schools will introduce fire science courses, expanding the list of institutions offering the career and technical education (CTE) pathway in Kentucky.

CTE pathways prepare students for postsecondary education opportunities and to enter the workforce. Participation in these pathways allow students to work toward industry certifications. Students are also eligible to receive dual credit for some courses, which allows them to earn high school and college credit simultaneously.

The fire science pathway allows students to earn hours toward the Kentucky Fire Commission Apprentice I and II certification. They can also work toward additional certifications, including Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Basic I Firefighter and Basic II Firefighter.

The fire science pathway is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to increase their marketability for employment in fire services. The pathway consists of four required courses, and co-op opportunities and internships are also available to provide extended learning opportunities for students. Two additional courses, Emergency Medical Responder and Special Topics in Fire Science, are also available for instructors to offer as advanced skill acquisition in the pathway.

“The hands-on piece is what sets the fire science program apart from the other learning that happens in school every day,” said Mark LaMaster, the fire science instructor at Fern Creek High School (Jefferson County).

Hands-on experience allows students to reinforce concepts and demonstrate mastery of skills, he said.

Fern Creek High School is conveniently located across the street from the Fern Creek Fire Department, which provides support in accessing personal protective equipment and tools for students.

“Our students might be our civic leaders,” LaMaster said. “Someday, we might have a future mayor in our class who’s going to have a very good understanding of what our emergency services do or don’t do. It’s a very nice blend of classroom and hands-on learning.”

A group of kids wearing "FCFD" coats look on as one of them climbs a ladder placed up against a building. A man with a black t-shirt on extends his arms outward while looking at the student on the ladder.

Students in the fire science pathway at Fern Creek High School (Jefferson County) learn how to respond to fires with members of the Fern Creek Fire Department. Photo submitted by the district

The program offers students real-world experience through many opportunities. At Fern Creek, fire science students can go to the Regional Fire Academy, operated by the Kentucky Fire Commission, to observe active firefighters training similarly to how they train in their program courses. Students also can participate in training with industry partners, ladders, ropes, and various training apparatus are utilized for an authentic experience, including completing these trainings in industry-grade turnout gear.

The program at Fern Creek has flourished since its establishment in 2019, when it started with around 40 students. Today, nearly 200 students participate.

Henderson County High School and Woodford County High School will introduce their own programs next fall.

Chief Josh Dixon of the Henderson Fire Department is the industry partner supporting the program at Henderson County High School. He emphasized that students are given the opportunity to earn certifications by the time they graduate high school, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately.

“So not only will they have their certifications that they could, you know, be hired here, but they can also serve as firefighters in county departments on their off days,” Dixon said. “It’s really a win-win for both of us.”

Lt. Brent Billings of the Berea Fire Department and the fire sciences instructor at Berea Community High School (Berea Independent) provided similar insight.

“The main goal is to get students certified and provide them with an understanding of what it takes to become a firefighter,” Billings said.

The program at Lawrence County High School has been running for two years.

Capt. Steven Wilburn of the Louisa Fire Department, who oversees the Lawrence County program, also emphasized the importance of certifications. He believes that even if students choose not to pursue a career in firefighting, these certifications can benefit them in other career paths.

Zeb Slone, a senior at Lawrence County High School, joined the program when it started during his junior year.

“Once we graduate, we can actually have some experience doing hands-on stuff with the knowledge equipped to do it well,” Slone said.

While taking the class, Slone also has the opportunity to volunteer at the local fire department.

“It’s just a very good program and I’m excited we can do this in high school. It’s really cool,” Slone said.

Briar Stepp, a freshman at Berea Community High School, said he has learned a lot through the program at his school.

“It’s usually not repetitive,” said Stepp. “We’ll do something new every week, and it’s pretty fun.”

And as Slone, Stepp and other students like them advance through their courses, they’re preparing for future careers in emergency services, firefighting and public safety.