Campbellsport Fire, High School and MPTC combine to give kids head start in emergency services

Campbellsport Fire Chief Craig Olson says the Campbellsport Volunteer Fire Department has been working with the Campbellsport School District and Moraine Park Technical College to create new opportunities for high school students interested in fire and emergency medical services. The new program offers hands-on training and classroom education for students seeking to serve their communities through careers in emergency services.

Olson says there are already three students from Campbellsport High School enrolled in the program, which provides foundational skills in firefighting and EMS.

He says “This program is not only about training, It’s about building a pipeline of passionate, capable individuals who can one day serve on the front lines of emergency response in our community. Going on to say this is investing in the future of Campbellsport.”

The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen community engagement and volunteer recruitment for the Campbellsport Volunteer Fire Department. With departments across the country facing staffing challenges, Chief Olson hopes that by reaching students early, the department can inspire a new generation of dedicated volunteers.

Moraine Park Technical College brings its educational expertise and state-of-the-art resources to the partnership, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction aligned with industry standards. Classes include both theoretical and practical components, giving students a taste of what it’s like to be a firefighter or EMS provider.