06/09/2026
Attleboro Fire Department, Attleboro High School Partner to Provide Students Fire Service Training: ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department has partnered with Attleboro High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to provide students with hands-on training and exposure to careers in firefighting, EMS and emergency response.
The program launched this school year and will continue during the 2026-27 school year, giving students direct exposure to the realities of firefighting, rescue operations and emergency response through classroom instruction and live demonstrations conducted by Attleboro firefighters.
Students participating in the program receive training and instruction in topics including radio communications, fire behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE), ropes and knots, structural search techniques, vehicle extrication, forcible entry, ventilation, and water supply operations.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Attleboro firefighters spend two hours working directly with students, providing instruction and mentorship. Crews bring engines, ladder trucks, specialized rescue tools and vehicles for live extrication training, giving students a rare opportunity to experience the realities of the fire service while still in high school.
“This gives students an opportunity to see what the fire service is truly about before ever applying for a job,” said District Chief Mark Renker. “Traditionally, most firefighting skills are learned after someone is hired by a department. This program allows students to experience the teamwork, discipline, physical demands and technical skills involved in the profession while they are still in high school. It helps students make informed career decisions and exposes them to opportunities they may never have realized existed.”
The fire service curriculum has been integrated into Attleboro High School's Criminal Justice CTE pathway. The curriculum has been modified to encompass multiple aspects of public safety, including policing, firefighting, EMS, dispatching and other public safety professions, expanding career exposure for students interested in emergency services and public safety careers.
Capt. Adam Meier said the partnership reflects a growing effort to introduce students to meaningful career pathways while also helping address the future workforce needs of emergency services.
“This is about creating opportunities,” said Capt. Meier. “Whether students eventually pursue firefighting, EMS, law enforcement, public safety communications or another profession entirely, they are gaining leadership skills, confidence, teamwork and real-world experience that will benefit them for years to come.”
The program builds on a longstanding partnership between the Attleboro Fire Department and the school system. In 2026, firefighters completed their 10th year of providing CPR, AED and Heimlich maneuver training to Attleboro High School freshmen through the department’s Heart Safe Schools initiative. Over the past decade, thousands of students have received lifesaving training through the program, helping create a generation of young adults capable of recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies.
“This program is a natural progression of the department’s longstanding commitment to student engagement and public safety education,” said Lt. Corey Blais, who piloted the Heart Safe Schools program. “For years, firefighters have worked with students through CPR education and community outreach. Expanding into hands-on fire service training gives students an even deeper understanding of emergency services and the opportunities available within the profession.”
“This partnership demonstrates what can happen when schools and public safety agencies work together,” said Training Lt. Dan Murray. “Students are not only learning about careers. They are building confidence, learning critical life skills, and developing a stronger connection to their community.”
Superintendent David Sawyer thanked the Attleboro Fire Department for its partnership.
“One of the goals of career and technical education is to help students connect what they learn in the classroom with future career opportunities,” said Superintendent Sawyer. “This partnership with the Attleboro Fire Department provides students with direct access to experienced professionals and practical training that helps them better understand the many career paths available in public safety. We are proud to offer opportunities that prepare students for success after high school.”
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