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Summer Public Safety Internship Program

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Summer Public Safety Internship Program Logo

The City of Rochester Summer Public Safety Intern Program offers an exciting training opportunity for high school graduates (ages 17–25) interested in pursuing a career in firefighting or emergency telecommunications.

Participants ages 17–21 can pursue the firefighting track, and participants ages 17–25 can pursue the emergency communications track.

The program features activities that will help participants explore their chosen careers through a balance of classroom and hands-on learning. Classroom activities will focus on life skills, decision making, leadership development, and team building. Specific training will provide an overview of the basic skills required for firefighting and emergency telecommunications.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to take the Civil Service exam for a Firefighter Trainee position in the Rochester Fire Department or a Public Safety Communicator position in the Emergency Communications Department.

Choose an Internship Track and Apply by Friday, April 18, 2025

Rochester Fire Department Internship Track: Ages 17-21
Apply Here: Fire Internship

ECD/911 Internship Track: Ages 17-25

Apply Here: ECD/911 Internship

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2025 Summer Public Safety Intern Program begin?

  • Firefighting Intern classes take place July 7–Aug. 15 (6 weeks)
  • Emergency Telecommunications Intern classes take place July 21–Aug. 15 (4 weeks)

What time are the classes?

  • Program hours are 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Daily attendance is mandatory

Where are the classes located?

  • Firefighting coursework and training will take place at 1190 Scottsville Rd., Rochester, NY 14624
  • Emergency Telecommunications coursework and training will take place at 321 W. Main St., Rochester, NY 14608

Do program participants receive wages?

  • Yes. Interns will be paid $17.29/hour, and must attend 30 hours per week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period.

What information and training is included?

  • Public safety industry professionals will lead career exploration discussions and demonstrations to provide an understanding of available career options.
  • Skills in basic academics, general employability, job-readiness, and decision-making and occupation-specific activities.
  • Industry-specific overview and history and the basic principles of their general management and operations.

What are the minimum eligibility requirements?

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Valid NYS ID
  • City of Rochester residency
  • Age 17–25 (17-21 for the firefighting track; 17-25 for the emergency communications track)
  • Successful pre-employment drug test and criminal background check
  • Successful in-person interview

How do I apply?

Choose an Internship Track and Apply by Friday, April 18, 2025.

Rochester Fire Department Internship Track: Ages 17-21
Apply Here: Fire Internship

ECD/911 Internship Track: Ages 17-25

Apply Here: ECD/911 Internship

Questions?

  • Call (585) 428-7115

Picture yourself as a Summer Public Safety Intern!

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