You know the saying; you have to fight fire with firefighters.
That doesn’t sound right, but that’s exactly what Michigan plans to do.
Here’s Five Fast Facts …… :
- 🪓 The Long and Short of It - There’s a firefighter shortage in Northern Michigan, and this is one shortage that we can’t blame on the ‘Rona. The shortage actually started in 2008, during the Great Recession, and was triggered by budget crunches to departments around the region.
- 🔥 Hot, Hot, Hot - The Northwest Regional Fire Training Center is partnering with Michigan Works to provide free training to those willing to pick up the hose.
- 📚 First in Class - The first group of students - 21 of them - met this week for the first time. Their actual training classes will start in November and run through May.
- 🚒 Get ‘er Done - The free training will include how to fight all types of fires - from car fires to structure fires, and even how to handle hazardous waste spills. Usually, this training would cost $2,000 per person.
- 👨🚒 Is it Enough? - While the shortage is more than 21 new firefighters can solve, it’s a start. Having that many more people ready to spring into action will make a difference in their communities. More classes should open up next Spring.
🔥Bottom line: We need more firefighters (and EMTs, Waitstaff, Nurses, and Teachers...), so anytime the state is willing to offer up the training for free, we’re all about it.
What other industries could benefit from free training? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media, and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!
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