City of Rochester opens applications for summer internship program in firefighting and emergency communications
Rochester, New York – Young residents in Rochester who are considering careers in public safety will soon have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a city-run internship program. Mayor Malik D. Evans has invited local residents between the ages of 17 and 25 to apply for the City of Rochester’s Summer Public Safety Internship Program, which aims to introduce young people to careers in firefighting and emergency communications.
City officials announced that applications for the program are now open and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 17. The initiative is designed to help participants learn more about public safety careers while also preparing them for potential long-term employment with the city.
The internship program offers participants the chance to explore two different career paths. Applicants can choose either a firefighting internship track or a 911 emergency telecommunications internship track, depending on their interests and age eligibility.
Mayor Evans said the program has already helped many young people build successful careers in public safety.
“The Summer Public Safety Internship Program opens doors to rewarding careers with the Rochester Fire and Emergency Communications Departments,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I highly encourage young people to apply for this paid learning opportunity.”
Two Career Tracks Available for Participants
The firefighting internship track is open to applicants between the ages of 17 and 21. This program will run for six weeks from July 6 through Aug. 14 and will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Training and instruction will be held at 1190 Scottsville Road in Rochester.
Participants who select this track will learn about the responsibilities and skills involved in becoming a firefighter. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experiences that help interns understand the daily work performed by members of the Rochester Fire Department.
The second option is the 911 Emergency Telecommunications Internship Track, which is open to residents ages 17 to 25. This program will run for four weeks from July 20 through Aug. 14 and will also take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Training sessions for this track will be held at 321 West Main Street in Rochester.
Interns in this program will gain insight into how emergency call centers operate. They will learn how telecommunicators handle emergency calls, coordinate responses with police, fire, and medical services, and help keep communities safe during emergencies.
Both internship tracks offer a combination of classroom lessons and practical training designed to build job readiness skills while giving participants a clearer understanding of public safety careers.
The program also provides financial support for participants. Interns will be paid $17.81 per hour while taking part in the training program.
City officials say the internship has already proven to be a successful pathway into full-time employment. Each year, several graduates from the program move on to permanent roles within Rochester’s public safety departments.
At the end of the program, participants may be eligible to take the Civil Service exam for a Firefighter Trainee position in the Rochester Fire Department or apply for a 911 Telecommunicator role with the Emergency Communications Department.
Residents who are interested in participating can learn more and submit an application through the City of Rochester’s website at www.cityofrochester.gov/PublicSafetyInternship.
