Ohio’s Department of Commerce reports the state is facing a serious problem as the number of firefighters declines while the number of emergency calls increases. Between 2018 and 2021, there was a 6.5% decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters as between 2018 and 2020 there was a 9% increase in emergency calls.

Approximately 72% of fire departments in the state are volunteer — in Washington County, that figure is 70%, but municipalities that have paid fire departments are facing shortages, too.

Washington County Career Center is looking to do something about that, and open up new possibilities for students with its post-secondary Firefighter II program, launched last week.

Those high school juniors and seniors who complete the program will be able to serve their communities in careers in firefighting, medical services, paramedics, fire prevention and more.

“We need more firefighters and we need more EMS personnel,” said Marietta High School teacher and Devola volunteer firefighter Gwynette Mayer.

It is certainly an example of a school understanding the needs of its community and state, and answering the call — and teachers and administrators should be applauded for making it happen.

“Here at the career center we’re very proud of the young adults we have in our county,” said Michael Elliot, director and principal at the career center. “We have a lot of faith in them and we want to help, promote and allow them opportunities to improve themselves and the community.”

That is happening right before our eyes. We look forward to seeing the difference these young people will make as they use their training at the Career Center as a springboard to benefit us all.