In response to a growing shortage of firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals, Ocean County is proposing a comprehensive two-year training program in partnership with the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). This initiative aims to equip students with the skills and certifications required to join the fire and EMS workforce immediately after graduation.
The proposed program covers a wide range of essential topics, including the fundamentals of firefighting and EMS, the National Incident Management System, and Firefighter I certification. The initiative is designed to address both workforce gaps and public safety challenges while providing students with hands-on training and a clear career pathway.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our county has faced an alarming decline in EMS workers,” said Commissioner Robert Arace. “In 2018, New Jersey had 22,000 certified EMTs, but by 2023, that number dropped by 3,000 to only 19,000. These vacancies have significantly impacted the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our senior citizens and disabled veterans.”
Commissioner Sadeghi emphasized the urgency of the program, 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.”
The Firefighting and EMS Training Program will feature a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for immediate entry into emergency services roles. It will run alongside existing training programs available for adults interested in volunteering or expanding their skills through elective courses.
Ocean County’s demographics underscore the need for this initiative. The county is home to one of the largest concentrations of seniors and veterans in New Jersey, with over 30,000 veterans alone. Many of these residents rely on prompt and efficient emergency medical services. The new program seeks to close the staffing gap in EMS, bolstering the county’s overall emergency response capabilities.
“This program is about safeguarding the health of our community and ensuring that when emergencies arise, help is available,” Commissioner Arace added.