The Fire Unit of Saint Michael’s Fire & Rescue is a fully operational, student-staffed engine company responding to real emergencies across Chittenden County, Vermont. No experience required to join.
SMFR Fire Unit
Train Here. Lead Anywhere.
Responding to fire alarms, motor vehicle accidents, and structure fires
Running duty shifts and rotate riding positions on the engine
Training weekly with modern apparatus and industry-standard equipment
Leading calls, mentoring others, and making critical decisions in the field
- Responding to fire alarms, motor vehicle accidents, and structure fires
- Running duty shifts and rotate riding positions on the engine
- Training weekly with modern apparatus and industry-standard equipment
- Leading calls, mentoring others, and making critical decisions in the field
You won’t be standing by. You’ll be first in:
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
Learn tools, extinguishers, ladders, hose line advancement, knots, and safety through classroom and practical training.
Semester 1
Rookie Class
- Fire attack & suppression
- Search & rescue
- Roof & ladder operations
- Victim extrication
- Water supply & pump ops
Fire Unit members train twice weekly, building skills through hands-on drills, and full-scale scenarios. Trainings include:
Fire training
Join a company team, respond to real calls, and test for interior certification with an endurance-based practical and written exam.
Semester 2
Probate Class
As a senior member, you’ll develop high-level incident command, driver/operator skills, and mentorship abilities that prepare you for any career in fire or public safety.
Ongoing
Advanced Training
Every August, members gather before the school year starts for a multi-day training intensive taught by alumni from respected fire and rescue departments across the country. It’s part tradition, part reunion, and one of the most energizing experiences of the year.
Annual
Boot Camp
Riding Positions
Driver/Pump Operator
Responsible for apparatus positioning and water supply. This critical role requires extensive road memorization, pump hours, and testing.
Engine Officer
Usually held by a senior officer or the highest-ranked member on shift. You’ll take command, liaise with incoming mutual aid departments, and oversee strategy.
Back of the cab
Senior and probationary members work as the primary hands-on crew. Duties include interior attack, ventilation, extrication, and water supply support.
HS 160 Emergency Medical Technician (4 credits)
Offered every semester with day and evening sections.
HS 260 Advanced EMT (4 credits + 2 optional clinical credits)
For certified EMTs ready for the next level.
HS 140 Wilderness First Responder (4 credits)
For those called to serve in remote settings.
EM 110 SMC Ready: Fire & Life Safety (1 credit)
Open to all students, faculty, and staff. Includes CPR, Stop the Bleed, and fire extinguisher training.
EM 150 A/B Firefighter 1 & 2 (2 and 4 credit options)
Taught in partnership with the Vermont Fire Academy.
EM 499 Emergency Services Internship (2 or 4 credits)
For Fire & Rescue members serving as officers, leading quality improvement, or participating in department leadership.
Emergency Management Series (2 credits each)
EM 101, 102, 201, and 210 — part of the Emergency Management certificate.
Fire and Rescue Courses for Credit
Already certified? You may be eligible for credit based on national certifications, including:
- NREMT (EMT / AEMT)
- ProBoard (Firefighter 1 / 2)
- WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
Learn more about the EMS Minor and Emergency Services Academics at Saint Michael’s College
questions & answers
How much experience do I need to join?
Every new member starts with a foundational training program led by SMFR officers, alumni, and professional instructors from surrounding departments. Whether you’re joining Fire or Rescue (or both), you’ll be guided through hands-on skills, scenarios, and classroom learning that prepare you for the real calls we respond to every week.
Many of our members come in with zero experience and leave with leadership roles, nationally recognized certifications and licenses, and a deep sense of confidence in their abilities. SMFR alumni have gone on to become career firefighters, paramedics, trauma nurses, wildland firefighters, ER physicians, military officers, and leaders in public safety, medicine, and beyond.
Can I join both the Fire and Rescue Units?
Yes, you can do both and some students do. But we’ll be honest: joining both units while being a full-time student is a major commitment. If your goal is to master your craft, grow in leadership, and rise through the ranks, we recommend choosing one and going all-in. That’s where you’ll really shine.
Still unsure? Talk to a current member of Fire or Rescue and hear what their experience has been like. We’re happy to help you choose the right fit based on your interests, capacity, and future goals.
Can I take time off if I study abroad or have an internship?
Yes. We support a full college experience and that includes making time for internships, study abroad, and personal growth. While many students commit fully to Fire & Rescue year-round (including summers and holiday breaks), others take a semester off to travel or do a degree-related internship.
Some students go all-in, becoming drivers, officers, and crew chiefs. Others train hard during their time here, take a semester to explore, and return stronger. Either way, the experience you gain at SMFR will change you and it’ll be one of the most meaningful parts of your time at Saint Mike’s.
What does a typical duty shift look like?
It depends on the day, but here's the general rhythm: You'll check in at the station at shift change, go through gear checks, truck checks, and station chores. An officer will lead a short meeting to cover any announcements and assign riding positions for the night.
Most evenings, you’re free to return to campus and respond from there. But on Fridays, we run 24-hour shifts and those are special. Members stay overnight at the station, cook meals together, and build the camaraderie that makes this department what it is. It’s part training, part service, and part family.
Serving Chittenden County & Saint Michael’s Campus
Exclusively student-run & operated since 1969
Fully operational fire & EMS department
Over 4,000 calls annually
The runsheet:
Or explore the Rescue Unit →