SCOTT, La. (KLFY) -- Scott Fire Chief Chad Sonnier said a new program in schools can finally bring new firefighters into the profession for years to come, after struggling with recruitment and retention for too long.

"Volunteers are becoming hard to come by, with people working two jobs now and families being busier," Sonnier said. "So it's very hard for people to volunteer their time now. So, we've seen a steady decline across the nation."

In an effort to increase the number of trained firefighters ready to enter the field, Sonnier said Scott Fire Department has partnered with the State Fire Marshal's office, Lafayette Fire Department and the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy to bring proper firefighter training and education to high school students in the area; they conduct classroom training at Acadiana High School and practical training at the Lafayette Fire Department Training Center.

"The in-class will basically be the national standards, why we do what we do, how to do it correctly, and then we go outside and perform a live evolution, whether it be role holes, whether it be combating fire, you know, whatever it may be," Sonnier said. "We actually teach them, educate them in the classroom so they know. Then we go outside and apply the hands-on skills that they just learn inside the classroom."

The courses are completed by students over their junior and senior years and will provide the students with several state and international fire service certifications so they can be prepared to join the service in Scott, Lafayette or anywhere else in the state of Louisiana.

"But it also may save a life one day," Sonnier said. "Above and beyond that, though, whether they give CPR to somebody or drag somebody out of a burning house. They can possibly save somebody's life, which there's no price tag you can put on that. And if we save one person's life because this program it's well worth all the hard work that went into it."

Any Acadiana High School students who are interested in signing up for the program can reach out to their school counselor and can also reach out to the Scott Fire Department with any questions.

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