Resident Program
The Frenchtown Rural Fire District Resident Firefighter Program:
Residents respond to real emergency calls, train alongside career and volunteer firefighters, and develop the certifications and experience needed to pursue careers in fire, EMS, and wildland fire.
This program is designed to help participants build the skills, education, and professional experience needed for a career in emergency services while serving the Frenchtown community.
Program Pathways
The Resident Program offers several pathways depending on your career goals.
Associate of science (A.S.) Fire and Emergency Services
This pathway is for individuals who want to become professional firefighters while earning a college degree.
Residents complete coursework through Helena College’s Fire & Emergency Services program while gaining real-world emergency response experience with the district.
Over the course of the program, participants receive training in firefighting, EMS, wildland fire, and technical rescue while earning a college degree that prepares them for careers in the fire service.
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.
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.
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
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.
Paramedicine
This pathway is designed for individuals pursuing a career in advanced emergency medical services.
Residents gain hands-on experience responding to medical emergencies while preparing for and attending paramedic school.
Participants may enter the program with an EMT certification or complete EMT training during their first year before continuing toward paramedic education.
Entering Program WITH EMT or prior experience
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
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
This pathway focuses on preparing residents for careers in wildland firefighting and fire management.
Residents gain experience working on wildland incidents, assisting with fuel reduction projects, and training with partner agencies such as state and federal wildland fire organizations.
This pathway provides valuable experience for those interested in careers with wildland fire agencies or natural resource management.
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
This pathway allows individuals to pursue a college degree in another field while participating in the resident firefighter program.
Residents attend college while living at the station, responding to emergency calls, and completing fire and EMS training.
This option allows students to gain valuable emergency service experience while completing their education
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.
Ride alongs are observational only and can be scheduled at any time before or after submitting your applications. If you have questions or would like to schedule your ride along, please contact FF/EMT Kyle Rauch at [email protected] or 406-626-5791. Repeated ride alongs do not need to be 24 hours but should be at least 12 hours. If you’re scheduled for a ride along please arrive at Station 1 and check in with the Lieutenant between 0745 and 0800.
Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Residents get Paid?
Residents receive housing and training opportunities in exchange for participation in the program. There are part time seasonal employment opportunities during the summer.
Do I need experience to apply?
No prior Fire or EMS experience is required, though it may be beneficial.
How long is the program?
The program lasts up 3 years depending on the pathway and individual progress.
Can I have a job during the program?
Yes, several pathways are designed specifically for residents to be able to obtain consistent income.
What are the benefits of being a resident?
- Housing at the fire station
- Hands-on emergency response experience
- Training and Certifications
- Professional Mentorship from Firefighters and Officers
- Opportunities to build connections in the fire service
- Experience that helps prepare participants for careers in Fire, EMS, and Wildland Fire.