Gain Experience and Education
The Mid-County Fire Protection District (MCFPD) is located in central Missouri at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks and encompasses 227 square miles in central Camden County with seven fire stations and two fireboats. MCFPD is a combination organization of career and volunteer personnel. In 2021, MCFPD responded to 2,250 emergency incidents including structural, vehicle, and wildland fire suppression, vehicle and technical rescue, marine firefighting and rescue, water rescue and dive recoveries, emergency medical services, code enforcement, fire prevention / public education, along with a host of other activities and services. Additionally, MCFPD provides mutual aid service to the surrounding fire districts and fire departments and offers the only water rescue/dive team at Lake of the Ozarks.
OPPORTUNITY
In 2011, Mid-County Fire Protection District was awarded a SAFER Grant for Recruitment and Retention. As a result of those funds, the district has initiated a resident firefighter intern program that will provide the necessary training and hands-on experience to become a professional firefighter. Our goal is to provide participants with the training and experience needed to help them compete for career positions in the fire service while improving the fire district’s staffing level.
Qualified applicants will be interviewed, tested, and chosen to become part of the firefighter intern program. They will be required to commit to a two-year contract for the program. We will commit to certified training (IFSAC) opportunities through the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI), the National Fire Academy (NFA), the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, hands-on training with professional firefighters, and free housing including internet, a fully equipped gym, kitchen, and dorm-like sleeping facilities.
SUCCESS
We are offering a premiere opportunity for men and women seeking a career in the fire service industry. Our program will immerse the interns into the lifestyle of a firefighter, allowing them to develop top-level emergency service skills and certifications. MCFPD will prepare its interns for a professional career through outstanding training, education, and real-world experience. We believe their success is also our success. This program has been successful in transitioning interns into paid emergency services careers in our community, surrounding communities, and across the nation. Our program currently has an 85% placement rating in the fire service and EMS field.
EXPERIENCE
Upon entering the program, our intern firefighters will be assigned a dorm-style room they will share with other interns at our main station or one of our outlying stations. Upon completion of initial training, recruits will be assigned to one of three shifts. Recruits will respond to all types of emergencies with their assigned shift commander and firefighters. This will give them a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience while preparing to become a professional firefighter/ EMT.
EDUCATION
In addition to free housing the district will pay tuition and tuition travel expenses for the intern to obtain their Firefighter I and II, EMT-B license, Fire Service Instructor I, Driver/Operator, and Fire Officer I through the University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute’s summer and winter fire schools.
PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- The applicant must possess a current and valid state-issued vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license or greater (CDL).
- The applicant must have a satisfactory driving record. This will be determined by the operator’s record check, background check, and personal observation.
- The applicant must pass the physical agility testing performed by Mid-County Fire Protection District during the application process.
- The applicant must be willing to follow the guidelines set forth in the Recruitment and Retention Resident Rules and Regulations.
For more information or to apply for the MCFPD Firefighter Intern Program contact:
Division Chief Odenwald
rodenwald@mcfpd.org
573-346-2049 ext. 113
Check out our website at mcfpd.org or follow us on Facebook at Mid-County Fire Protection District.
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