The SMCC Fire Science department is one of the best in the state, and maybe even the country, with people from California, Florida, New York, etc. coming to Maine to be a part of it. With students from so many places coming for the program, one would think there are a lot of students majoring in Fire Science, but that could not be further from the truth. It’s a small,  close-knit group of people serving their community and dealing with potential perils that brings them close enough to be called a family. A family that you could join, regardless of your major.

A Fire Science major takes classes that earn them fire, EMS, hazardous material handling, and fire prevention certifications. Along with these classes, some students can sign up for the “live-in” program, which houses them for free. In return, students go on actual firefighting and EMS calls, which they get paid for. “There are lots of colleges around that offer Fire Science degrees, but not a lot of them promise experience to come with it.” Says Joe Laber, a Fire Science student who came from Cape Cod to pursue his major here. 

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be a Fire Science major to help the department. If full-time students at SMCC are willing to put in the work and go through training to get their EMS and fire one and two certifications, they can sign up for the live-in program no matter their major! It is an amazing opportunity, and all one really needs is the ability to physically do the work, as well as the drive to want to help one’s community. 

The Fire Science department is a small, and consequently, close-knit community where people are there for each other, and they always need help. “This program is very community-based, if you are willing, we need you.” Robert Lindstedt, chairman of the Fire Science department, told me. “Diversity in the fire service is very important. Firefighters are as diverse a group as any. There is not a ‘typical firefighter’ anymore. The fire service has got to reflect the community it serves, and we still have work to do in diversifying it.”

“My favorite part about it are the relationships I’ve made in the station and the service.” Says Joe Laber, “This is not only physically hard work, but it can be mentally hard as well. Like when we are called out to help someone experiencing cardiac arrest. After those kinds of calls, everyone feels safe enough to talk to others when things are hard.” 

Psychologists specialized in emergency services are provided to those in the live-in program anytime after a call. The culture around mental health in the emergency service industry has changed over the years and is now more focused on being open and asking for help when you need it.

SMCC’s live-in program is a great opportunity for students looking for free living space and are willing to help out their community (and get paid) by answering calls in their respective stations. With psychologists, professors and firefighters, and their fellow students on standby, students are offered a great support system for rougher days and a chance to find a community of people to call family. If you are interested in checking out the live-in program, contact Steve Willis at swillis@smccme.edu.