There’s an unusual fire department in Fairbanks, Alaska.
It’s called the University Fire Department. It serves the University of Alaska’s Troth Yeddha’ campus and nearby North Star Borough from two stations.
What makes this department special is that all the rigs are staffed by full-time University students, over 50 of them. They work side-by-side with 11 career firefighters, who act as mentors.
The students work a 48 on/96 off schedule and are certified in firefighting and ALS. And they can make up to $30,000 a year!
When they graduate, they’re ready to go to work at any department anywhere.
My guest to explain how this works is University Fire’s Captain David Mattox.
University Fire Department’s website