BALDWINSVILLE -- Students from C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville are taking a class that could very well help them save a life one day.
The Firefighter and Emergency Medical Service class is the only one of its kind in New York State. Firefighters from the Baldwinsville, Belgium Cold Springs, Phoenix, Lakeside and Lysander Fire Departments team up daily to teach students basic firefighting and first aid.
Firefighter Paul Becker, lead instructor for the course, says New York State has a shortage of volunteer firefighters. One of the goals of the class is to introduce students to firefighting at an early age.
"We just grew up around it so we went on to volunteer, but now people don't have that opportunity. So we have to try and reach the kids as soon as we can," he says.
Baldwinsville firefighter Tony Harper is one of the class's success stories. Harper, a third-generation firefighter, took the class when he was a student and is now one of the instructors.
"It's a great course, very informative, definitely a jump start on becoming a firefighter," he says.
Baker High School's Firefighting and EMS class is funded by a $45,000 dollar a year federal grant. That grant runs out next year and the future of the course is uncertain. What is certain is that current students like Matt Pompi are learning valuable lessons and having fun at the same time.
"I love it. The instructors are great everything about the class is awesome," Pompi says.
