The Ridgeland Fire Department is opening new doors for military veterans through an apprenticeship program designed to help them transition from service in the armed forces to a career in emergency medical services.
With support from the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen and in partnership with the School of EMS and COMPASS, the city introduced the Apprenticeship Program for Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) training. Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits, a program that helps service members pay for education, training, and certification programs, to complete the School of EMS’s paramedic program.
The program combines classroom instruction, fieldwork, and real-world practice. It is structured to give veterans a strong foundation in emergency response while easing their transition to civilian life through mentorship and teamwork, reflecting both military and fire service culture.
The Ridgeland Fire Department is also developing plans to expand the program to include onboarding for veterans who wish to become firefighters or EMT-Basics, further strengthening the department’s emergency response capabilities.
Through the initiative, the city aims to support veterans while investing in the community’s safety and resilience, giving those who once defended the nation an opportunity to continue protecting it at home.
