Resident Program
The resident firefighter program is intended to offer practical experience and essential training in all aspects of fire and emergency services required for full-time positions. This program seeks motivated individuals who can study, collaborate effectively in a team, and uphold the professional standards of public safety. The Fire District supplies all necessary equipment, including a private room, personal protective gear, and uniforms. As this is a live-in program, residents are expected to reside at the station and be ready to respond to service calls. Residents will be assigned to a shift, with the current schedule being 48 hours on and 96 hours off. Upon successful completion and graduation, 100% reimbursement of tuition and authorized expenses (books or required materials).
Here are minimum requirements:
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age upon appointment.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must be physically and mentally capable of performing the functions of a Firefighter/EMT.
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be able to pass a criminal and driving record background check.


Associate of science (A.S.) Fire and Emergency Services
Background
Background
Frenchtown Rural Fire District Resident Program offers highly motivated individuals an exciting opportunity to begin and develop a career in emergency services while gaining real world experience serving alongside professional Career and Volunteer Firefighters.
In cooperation with Helena College, located in Helena Montana, program participants will earn an Associate of Science Degree in Fire and Emergency Services.
Upon successful completion of the three-year program, graduates will be qualified to successfully pursue a career in emergency services. Many of our former Residents have transitioned to fulfilling careers and credit their success to our program.
The entire program is provided free of charge with 100% of the college tuition reimbursed upon successful program and degree completion in exchange for a three-year commitment to Frenchtown Rural Fire District that runs concurrently with program participation.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract.
Benefits
- Private room
- Full tuition reimbursement upon successful completion of program
- Additional training opportunities
- Agency affiliation
- Long lasting professional and personal relationships
Couse Outline
YEAR 1
- NREMT EMT Basic
- IFSAC/PRO BOARD FSTS Firefighter 1
- NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter S-130
- NFPA Low Angle Rescue Operations
YEAR 2
- IFSAC/ PRO BOARD FSTS Firefighter 2
- NFPA Ice Rescue Technician
- NWCG Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior S-290 NFPA Swift Water Rescue
- Helena College Semester 1 & 2
YEAR 3
- MONTANA STATE EMT Endorsements
- NWCG Engine/Crew Boss S-230/231
- IFSAC/PRO BOARD Driver Operator
- Helena College Semester 3 & 4
Learn More
The Helena College Fire and Emergency Services program is designed to prepare graduates for entry into the challenging and competitive field of fire and emergency services. The program concentrates on industry recognized certifications and the U.S. Fire Administration’s Federal Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Curriculum, while also providing the student with a well rounded general education and 4-year degree transfer opportunities. Successful students will be well-trained and qualified to enter and advance in careers with fire and emergency services agencies across Montana and around the country.
Upon successful completion of the A.S. program, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying a positive work ethic, flexibility, teamwork, physical fitness, safety consciousness, and sensitivity to diversity.
- Demonstrate basic fire fighter skills in the areas of structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency response.
- Effectively communicate and interact in the workplace as well as in the community. • Be able to function at the NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I Level
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of fire protection systems, fire prevention, and technical rescue techniques.
- Be able to function at the NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter II Level
The cooperation between Helena College and Frenchtown Rural Fire District offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Fire and Emergency Services while living and working in a fire station as a resident volunteer.
Benefits of the Residency Program can include: - Room and board
- Full tuition reimbursement upon successful completion of program
- Additional training opportunities
- Agency affiliation
- Long lasting professional and personal relationships
- Invaluable experience gained through active 911 response
Please note that the admissions processes for the Frenchtown Resident Program and Helena College are separate and independent from one another and that admission into one does not guarantee acceptance into the other.
Paramedicine
Background
Background
This track is intended for candidates interested in pursuing a career in EMS and working towards or obtaining their paramedic.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract. In addition to those requirements, these candidates must be enrolled in an accredited paramedic program or be working through the prerequisites for entry.
Entering Program WITH EMT or prior experience
Pathway #1: Entering FRFD Resident Program WITH EMT Certification or relevant prior education or experience.
Year 1:
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Successfully complete FRFD EMT precepting and begin practicing independently as an EMT.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- a. Fire 1
- b. Basic Wildland
- Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Complete the following prerequisite classes. Students must complete these prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA.
- a. Missoula College
- i. AHMS 144 (Medical Terminology)
- ii. BIOH 104 (Anatomy and Physiology)
- iii. BIOH 105 (Anatomy and Physiology Lab)
- a. Missoula College
- Upon successful completion of steps 1, 2, and 4, and continued satisfactory advancement through step 3, candidates, with written recommendation from the Resident and EMS Coordinator may apply for entry to paramedic programs. Candidates would apply to be enrolled in a program through Years 2 & 3 of the FRFD Resident program.
Years 2-3: Continue progressing through the resident program per resident contract and maintain satisfactory progress through paramedic school.
Entering Program with NO prior experience
Pathway #2: Entering FRFD Resident Program with NO prior EMS education or experience.
Year 1: Starts in August
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- a. Fire 1
- b. EMT
- c. EMT Precept
- d. Basic Wildland
- e. Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- f. Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Upon successful completion of EMT class and FRFD EMT precepting program, candidates will begin practicing independently as an EMT.
Year 2:
- Complete the following prerequisite classes. Students must complete these prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA.
- a. Missoula College
- i. AHMS 144 (Medical Terminology)
- ii. BIOH 104 (Anatomy and Physiology)
- iii. BIOH 105 (Anatomy and Physiology Lab)
- a. Missoula College
- Upon successful completion of Year 1& 2, candidates, with written recommendation from the Resident and EMS Coordinator may apply for entry to paramedic programs as applicable starting in the late winter or spring of Year 2 to be able to enter paramedic school at the start of Year 3.

Wildland Track
Background
Background
This track is intended for candidates interested in pursuing a career in wildland firefighting or other forestry/natural resources related careers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract.
In addition to those requirements, these candidates must progress through the listed NWCG courses, attend offered wildland related classes including CAT Camp, DNRC Engine Academy, prescribed burning opportunities and/or other USFS or DNRC affiliated internships. It is highly recommended that these students attend an accredited Natural Resources related degree at UM or other accredited college or university.
Course Outline
Year 1:
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- Fire 1
- EMT
- EMT Precept
- Basic Wildland
- Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Upon completion of Basic Wildland, candidates can begin completing other wildland related classes online.
- i. S-211
- ii. S-212
- iii. L-280
- iv. S-290
Year 2:
- Continue satisfactory progression through FRFD resident program per Resident Contract.
- Complete Driver/Operator book up to 817.
- Complete S-131 class and open FFT1/IC5 task book.
- Attend prescribed burns with Ninemile RD and DNRC.
- Participate in mitigation program, severity and other contract assignments
- Enroll in Natural Resources related degree program if desired
Year 3:
- Continue satisfactory progression through FRFD resident program per Resident Contract.
- Complete FFT1/IC5 Task Book
- Complete S-230/231 class and potentially open Engine Boss task book
- Complete L-380, S-215, etc.
Reimbursement: Will be equal to current Helena College reimbursement stipulations.
Extension: Extensions available on request per Resident Contract.

General College Studies
Background
Within the FRFD resident program, the General Higher Education track is intended for applicants interested in involvement in Fire/EMS/Wildland/Technical Rescue operations and/or pursuing a career in the above fields. Candidates in this track are either currently attending or are enrolling in a degree of study at an accredited higher learning institution.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract. In addition to those requirements, these candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and be successfully pursuing a field of study at that institution. Candidates must obtain at least a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout their course of study while in the FRFD resident program.