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Sarah H.
Fire Science Live-In Student
I’m a second-year Criminal Justice major and a first-year live-in student for Veazie Fire Department. The live-in program has exposed me to the other side of public safety. Not only does it save me money during the school year but it keeps me busy with something other than school.
Fire Science Live-In Option
For the Live-In Application, click here
Various area fire departments, in cooperation with Eastern Maine Community College, are pleased to offer the live-in student internship program for any full-time college student regardless of school or major. Because space is limited, admission to the live-in student internship program is not guaranteed and depends upon a successful job interview and satisfactory completion of pre-service training. Early application is strongly encouraged due to the limited number of open positions per semester. Precedence is given to Fire Science or Emergency Medical students but any major is eligible.
Students accepted into the Live-In Student Internship Program live at area firehouses rent-free in exchange for being “on-call” during specific hours. Student “on-call status” typically averages about 40-60 hours per week. Students are expected to meet the expectations of their host department and follow all department SOP/SOG. Failure to follow these standards of behavior will result in dismissal from the Live-In program.
All Live-In students will complete a Firefighter I & II Academy over the summer completing online coursework, with two weeks of hands-on, in-person training in September 2022 (This is not optional and is a condition of continued employment as a live-in). All Live-In Students will complete the EMT course in their first semester.
Students have the benefit of utilizing the knowledge and skills they are obtaining and applying them in a real-world setting. They will complete projects that will benefit their education and the department. Live-in students have greater success in obtaining jobs immediately after graduating because they are job-ready. They have the degree, necessary certifications, and hands-on experience!
If selected, you must complete a criminal background check and driving record check. Please realize that certain offenses will make it impossible for you to complete your EMS clinical, will prevent you from becoming a driver for the fire trucks, or may make it otherwise impossible for you to be hired as a full-time firefighter.
Students selected must also pass a departmental physical exam and respiratory evaluation.
Live-in students are making a commitment for an entire academic year, with the opportunity to continue that commitment for a second year with satisfactory performance. Each student will be paid an hourly rate to respond to emergency calls and for some training.
The process of becoming a Live-In Student Firefighter starts with submitting an application. You will be scheduled for an interview in front of a panel of Chiefs and Live-In Coordinators.
Applications for placement in Fall 2025 are due by March 28th, 2025.. Interviews will be conducted in April. Send completed applications and all supporting documents to: zcronkhite@mainecc.edu (preferred method) or Attn: Zach Cronkhite, Fire Science Live-in Coordinator, 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine, 04401
Any full-time EMCC student regardless of their degree program is eligible to apply.
Live-In Departments:
Dedham: (1 position)
The Dedham/Lucerne Fire Department is a volunteer department that operates out of two stations and is equipped with 7 pieces of equipment.
Eddington (1 position)
The Eddington Fire Department is an on-call department operating out of one station and maintains seven major pieces of equipment.
Hermon (2 positions)
The Hermon Fire Department has a well-organized combination Fire Department under the direction of Chief Frank Roma and Assistant Fire Chief Eric Pelletier. The Department operates with five pieces of fire apparatus.
Holden (2 positions)
Holden Fire/Rescue is a combination department that serves 32 square miles and its 3,000 residents. The department is made up of one station located off the Main Rd (Route 1A). We operate with two engines, one rescue, one utility pick-up, and a chief’s car. We also have a department snowmobile with rescue toboggin and a fully stocked forestry trailer.
Milford (2 positions)
The Milford Fire Department is an on-call department that hire per diem. It operates 4 pieces of equipment.
Newport (2 positions)
Newport Fire Department covers Fire and Rescue calls for the Town of Newport NFD has several pieces of apparatus: 2 Engines, Pumper Tanker, Brush Truck, Ladder Truck, First Response Rescue, a rescue boat, Rhino, and house an ambulance. NFD shares a recently built public safety building with Newport Police Department.
Veazie (1 position)
The Town of Veazie Fire/Rescue Department is a combination department that serves a population of approximately 2000 citizens in 4.2 square miles. Housing an engine, 110’ quint and a rescue/EMS response vehicle, members of Veazie Fire/Rescue operate out of one station and provided full-time day coverage seven days a week from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Justin C.
Fire Science Alumni
“What I loved most about EMCC is the flexibility. The classes are tailored to your schedule, making it easier to balance between work, family, and school. EMCC changed my life because it’s helped me shape my independence and help me become more responsible.”