A fully operational fire and EMS department run by students of Saint Michael’s College
Saint Michael’s Fire & Rescue
Who Joins SMFR?
SMFR attracts students who want more out of college than just a degree.
✔️ High school EMTs and junior firefighters
✔️ Military-bound students seeking structure and mission
✔️ Sons, daughters, and family members of those who serve
✔️ Future paramedics, wildland firefighters, and trauma nurses
✔️ Any active student of Saint Michael's College who feels called to something more than just a standard education
If that’s you — you’ll find your people here. And you’ll become someone you’re proud of.
The truth is, college is filled with choices. Most of them are about comfort and hobbies. This one is about having the time of your life and stepping into the impact you're meant to have.
Those who join SMFR don’t just learn more. They lead sooner, serve deeper, and graduate already changed by what they’ve done.
If you’re ready to do something that matters, we’re ready to meet you.
FDNY Officers, Flight Nurses, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, Aviators, Military Lawyers, Corporate Leaders, Paramedics, Physicians
From respected departments to military service, med school, and corporate leadership—SMFR members step into high-impact roles with confidence, clarity, and real-world experience that sets them apart. Whether your future is in firefighting, emergency medicine, aviation, or public service, it can all start here.
Our members become
Talk to a member about which unit could be a good fit for you or your student.
Have questions?
Explore the Rescue Experience
Explore the Fire Experience
Whether you're drawn to EMS, fire suppression, rescue operations, or all of the above, there’s a place for you here.
Learn more about the Fire and Rescue Units
Which Path Will You Choose?
This will become your family and shape who you are, how you lead, and what you’re capable of long after graduation.
The experience isn’t one-size-fits-all — But it is the same in one way:
“Experience is not what happens to you — experience is what you do with what happens to you.” — Don "Pappy" Sutton
In 1969, a Saint Michael’s student collapsed during a game on campus. Emergency medical services were delayed and it cost him his life. That tragedy became a turning point.
Students and staff came together with a vision: to ensure faster, more reliable emergency response for their community. With support from Saint Michael's College Dean Donald “Pappy” Sutton, Saint Michael’s Rescue was born. A few months later, the Fire Unit followed.
Since then, SMFR has grown into one of the most respected student-run fire and rescue departments in the country — answering over 4,000 calls each year across Chittenden County.
It All Started With a Delayed Response
our story & mission
- Train alongside licensed EMTs, AEMTs, paramedics, and firefighters
- Run real calls, from medical emergencies to structure fires
- Lead your peers as Captain, Crew Chief, or Training Lieutenant
- Balance duty shifts with college life, and live on-call at the Sutton Station
- Gain certifications, field hours, and experience that sets you apart in any career across EMS, medicine, the fire service, business, or beyond