In an effort to support the students of our community and their ability to pursue a career in the Fire Service, the West Metro Chiefs Fund is offering a scholarship to become certified as an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic. This scholarship applies to the programs at Red Rocks Community College, St. Anthony Hospital and Swedish Hospital only. Equivalent programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The majority of the fire departments in the Denver Metropolitan area, including West Metro, require certification as an EMT-Basic prior to hiring a candidate.  Upon completion of this class, the successful candidate will be Nationally Registered as an EMT-Basic. By offering this scholarship, it is the desire of the West Metro Chiefs Fund to allow the recipient to consider a very rewarding career in the fire service.

The monetary value of this scholarship is approximately $1500.00. This includes tuition, books, materials and any required uniforms. Also included is the cost of the pre-requisite CPR class if the candidate does not possess a current CPR card. A copy of the CPR card, with a receipt for the CPR class tuition, needs to be submitted for re-imbursement.

As an added benefit, if the successful candidate applies for employment for the West Metro Fire Protection District, the West Metro Chiefs Fund will pay the application fee.

Eligibility

1. The applicant must be a graduating senior from high school or possess a high school diploma.

2. The applicant must have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4-point scale). An official high school transcript must be submitted with the application.  College transcripts will accepted if applicable. The grade point average will be verified prior to the awarding of the scholarship.

3. The applicant must submit two letters of reference from adults other than family members that are in a position of authority (teachers, employers, counselors, etc.).  These letters must identify the characteristics that demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the Fire Service such as integrity, character, leadership, strength, and academic proficiency.

4. The applicant must submit a minimum 500 word essay on one of the following topics:

• What does the community expect in a good firefighter?
• How can you help the community as a firefighter?
• Describe what the fire service means to you.
• What other services should the Fire Department offer in addition to fire fighting?  Why?

Essays must be typewritten and double-spaced. A 12 font must be used. The essay must be a signed and dated original.

5. Consideration will be given to those applicants who possess current CPR certification. A copy of the CPR card must be submitted with the application form to be eligible for additional credit.


Application Process

The applicant’s submission must include:

• The Scholarship Application Form
• An official high school transcript indicating the most recent grades
• The two letters of recommendation
• A signed and dated original essay
• If applicable, a copy of a current CPR card

All applications with required inclusions must be post marked by June 15, 2012. Citizens of the District as well as employees of the West Metro Fire Protection District may be involved in the review and selection procedure. 

The top three finalists may be asked to participate in an interview process. 

The winner of the scholarship will be notified by telephone and in writing.

The winning candidate must begin an EMT-Basic class within 12 months of the award.  The award, including class costs, will be paid upon successful completion of the EMT program.  

Download the application form

Application Submission

Please send the application with inclusions to:  
West Metro Fire Protection District   
Deputy Chief Bruce Kral
433 South Allison Parkway    
Lakewood, Colorado  80226
(303)989-4307 ext. 513