Area Eighth Graders Attend First Responder Career Day
Eighth grade students from across Hardeman County attended the First Responder Career Day that was held at Bolivar Middle School on Friday, August 30, 2024. The day introduced students to first responder careers that involve serving the community with basic medical care to being the first to respond during a medical emergency or accident.
When students enter Bolivar Central High School or Middleton High School, they must choose career paths of interest. The career path allows for some of their classes to be geared towards that area of study and them being able to to complete career certification programs.
“We just want to plant that seed that ‘Why not first responders?’,” said City of Bolivar Fire Chief Lynn Price, who coordinated the First Responder Career Day. “It’s a great career We need first responders all over this nation. We have got a shortage of first responders.”
Some of the representatives from Hardeman County first responders included Ambulance, Sheriff’s Department, Rescue Squad, West Tennessee Healthcare, Highway Department, and the City of Bolivar Fire Department. Other first responder agencies that were represented included TEMA, National Guard, Madison County Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department, Tennessee State Troopers, Med Center out of Jackson, and the Hospital Wing.
Many of the jobs that were featured at the career day are ones that students may pursue once they are 18 years old and have graduated from high school. Students can begin training immediately, or use the Tennessee Promise to earn an associates degree that prepares them for immediate entry into a profession.
“As soon as you turn 18, and graduate high school, here in Bolivar, if you want a job with the City of Bolivar [fire department], we will train you.,” said Sara Rice who noted that each fire department is different in its requirements.
Bolivar Middle School principal Brian Mays, who is a career military man, was pleased with the turnout of first responders and shared some of his students also asked him about military opportunities.
“I think it is very beneficial for the students. The kids have an opportunity to come learn about the different careers, especially local, and see some of the training and equipment they use,” said Principal Mays. “I was able to share about my career there too.”
Chief Price hopes the First Responder Career Day becomes an annual event.
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