The Calvert County High School Recruitment program began in 2003 as a one-year work release school program for high school seniors where the students would attend classes at a local Calvert County Fire-Rescue-EMS department.

In 2014 transportation became a concern as some students were relying on family or fellow station members to be available to take them from their home school to class every day and discussions began on how to solve this for all students who wanted to participate in the program.

In 2016, the Calvert County Board of Education approved to move the program to the Calvert County Career Technology Academy and the 2-year completer program was established in 2017 and is still flourishing today. 

It has been 20 years since this program began and we are proud to say the program is thriving.  Our alumni is filled with professional firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, dispatchers and military personnel but what makes us even more proud is that many of our alumni have not only gone on to successful careers but many of them continue to give back to Calvert County by continuing to volunteer and some have even come back to the program as mentors and teachers to help the next generation of heroes.

Program Overview

This program is a cooperative venture among the Career and Technology Academy, volunteers and county and state government. High school students will learn more about the Calvert County Fire-Rescue-EMS Division while developing important skills needed for career opportunities as well as state and national certifications. Duties include graded coursework, developmental assignments and on-the-scene observations. This program also includes field trips and engaging lectures from guest speakers. Participants can earn up to 21 college equivalent credits.

Available Courses

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• Firefighter Survival and Rescue
• Engine Company Operations
• Rescue Technician

Candidate Requirements

• Candidates must be 16 years of age at the time of enrollment
• Reliable form of transportation
• Approval from the school system to enroll
• Must become and remain an active member in good standing with one of Calvert County’s Fire-Rescue-EMS stations.

Essential Partnerships

• Calvert County Board of Education
• Calvert County Government
• Calvert County Public Safety Department
• Calvert County Fire-Rescue-EMS Division
• Calvert County Volunteer Fire-Rescue-EMS Department Chief’s and Liaisons
• Maryland Fire Rescue Institution