The Derby Board of Education recently approved the Fire/EMT Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway, launching at Derby High School next school year. This exciting program allows students to earn EMT and Fire certifications while still in high school, providing a direct path to careers in emergency services. Students interested in this pathway must meet the following requirements:

Enroll during their senior year; Have sufficient credits for graduation; Be at least 17 years old before August 2025; Turn 18 by the end of May 2026 to be eligible for certification testing; Commit to a double-blocked schedule at DHS; Complete EMT coursework in semester one and Fire coursework in semester two.

To kick off the program, a crew from Derby’s Fire Station #81, led by Lt. Kenneth Linot, along with Training Chief BJ Parsons, Fire Marshal Jonathan Marr, Fire Chief John Turner and Program Directors from Butler Community College and WSU Tech, visited the high school. They provided interested students with valuable information about the certification classes and gave them a hands-on experience. Students had the opportunity to explore Fire and EMS equipment, tour Truck 81 and ask questions about the career pathway. This collaboration with local professionals is a key step in preparing students for real-world careers in emergency services.

Learn more about CTE pathway opportunities at www.derbyschools.com/academics/cte. More information on this pathway coming soon!