JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School can now receive training for careers in firefighting and emergency medical services.
The new program launched with the start of the 2026-27 school year after approximately five years of planning. School officials worked with Wintersville Fire and Rescue and the Gary R. Fellows Training Academy to develop the course.
Local emergency departments have reported difficulty finding qualified firefighter-EMTs. The program is intended to introduce students to the field earlier and create a pipeline of trained first responders within the region.
Jefferson County JVS Principal Heather Hoover said the course complements the school’s existing career-technical pathways while addressing a workforce need found locally and across Ohio.
Students will receive classroom instruction and practical training related to fire and emergency medical response. Those who complete the program are expected to graduate with professional Firefighter II certification and EMT credentials, along with other supporting training.
Wintersville Fire and Rescue Chief Rob Herrington said the program could help area departments recruit locally instead of searching outside the Ohio Valley for qualified employees.
