BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County has launched a new training program for firefighters and paramedics to address a growing demand for the first responders.

What You Need To Know

  • The need for fire rescue staff in Florida will surge 7% by 2026, the Labor Department says

  • A new Brevard training program and sponsorship hopes to help fill those gaps

  • The deadline to apply for the sponsorship is March 11

Right now, Brevard Fire Rescue has 25 openings for firefighters and paramedics, and authorities say that's high and on par with other departments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 27,000 openings for firefighter/paramedics are expected nationwide each year from 2020-30.

The national average for demand nationwide by 2026 is 8% percent, and Florida stands at 7%, according to the Labor Department.

The increase in demand can be attributed to injuries, job transfers and retirement, officials said.

The training to get new firefighters and paramedics ready for their jobs is physically taxing.

On the first day of live fire training for 19-year-old Daniel Barrios and his fellow recruits at the Eastern Florida State College Fire Training Academy, they have to put on their gear in 60 seconds in one drill. In another, they have to run up and down stairs in full gear to get conditioned.

All the strides Barrios has taken in his life told him he wanted to be a firefighter and paramedic. At Viera High School, he thrived in medical-related classes like anatomy.

But one person led by example — his role model and father, Danny, with whom he spent countless hours at the firehouse.

Daniel says his dad's passion for others sparked his interest in doing the same.

"Growing up, watching him go to work every day, it was very inspiring, knowing he was saving lives," Daniel says.

The younger Barrios and three other recruits are recipients of the new Brevard Fire Rescue sponsorship. The two-course, 492-hour training is fully paid, with the promise of employment at the agency after graduation.

Daniel's father, a 26-year firefighting veteran and assistant chief at Reedy Creek Fire Department, said they are grateful his son was selected.

"I remember him coming to the fire station as a little kid, and it's awesome he's chosen this profession," says Assistant Chief Barrios.

And Daniel will follow in his footsteps.

"Always having that passion to help people, help others," Daniel says.

The deadline to apply for the sponsorship is March 11.