Oxford, AL – Tuesday night marked a significant milestone for students of the Oxford High School Fire Science Program as they celebrated their graduation. These dedicated young men completed over 350 hours of classroom work and hands-on training to earn their Firefighter 160 certification. The ceremony, a proud moment for the students, their families, and the community, highlighted the hard work and determination required to reach this achievement.
Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks, speaking with the Calhoun Journal, provided insights into the program. The Fire Science Program include classroom time during the school year and then spans six weeks completed after high school graduation from Oxford High School. Upon finishing, graduates receive certification as firefighters in the State of Alabama. The same program is also available to students from Anniston schools and Calhoun County Schools.
Chief Sparks emphasized the rigorous nature of the program, noting that graduation is not guaranteed. “It is a challenging course designed to prepare students for the demands of a firefighting career,” he said. He also went on to note that, “Eight former graduates are now employed as full-time firefighters in Oxford.”
“This program offers young adults the opportunity to start a career at 18 years old,” Chief Sparks explained. “It’s a great pipeline of employees that are homegrown. We train them and watch them. Interviews start on day one even if they don’t know it.”
The success of the program extends beyond Oxford, with graduates securing positions in fire departments across various cities, including Jacksonville, Anniston, Lincoln, and Talladega. One graduate has even found employment in North Carolina.
Chief Sparks expressed pride in the graduates and optimism for their future careers in the fire service. “We’re so proud of their hard work and determination and look forward to seeing them grow their careers in the fire service,” he said.
The Fire Science Program’s impact is evident not only in the career opportunities it provides but also in the strengthening of local fire services with well-trained, dedicated personnel. The graduation ceremony was a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering the next generation of firefighters.
