~ In October 2025, five firefighter apprentices were officially sworn in as members of Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) in an effort to address vacancies within Juneau's fire department. These apprentices are part of CCFR's new apprenticeship program, which allows locals to earn certifications as firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while actively working in the department.

Former CCFR Fire Chief Rich Etheridge expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, "The plan is to get locals with roots in our community the skills for a stable career and a reason to stay in Juneau. I think this program is going to solve recruitment and retention in the fire department."

Like many other fire departments across the country, CCFR has struggled with a shortage of qualified applicants. According to Assistant Chief Sam Russell, this is due to the difficulty of obtaining necessary certifications. Prior to the apprenticeship program, local applicants had limited options for earning their certifications while balancing other responsibilities.

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Additionally, smaller departments like Juneau's often struggle with providing training while also meeting community needs. Assistant Chief Russell explained that hiring apprentices who can work while obtaining their certifications helps alleviate this pressure and allows for more comprehensive training opportunities.

The five apprentices have already completed their EMT certifications before being sworn into the force. They will now assist with the approximately 5000 calls that CCFR receives each year.

For apprentice Justis Paden, this program opens up new opportunities. Paden was previously working in the tourism industry and taking college classes part-time when he learned about CCFR's apprenticeship program. "I was thinking of becoming a paramedic, but I wasn't sure how to get there," Paden shared. "With the department, they'll advance me to paramedic and give me the training, while I'm being paid."

CCFR leadership has high hopes for the success of their new apprentice program and plans to continue it in the future. Along with their existing high school cadet program, they hope to see an increase in the number of firefighters in Juneau.

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