Counties across the country continue to face workforce shortages in critical public safety roles, from fire and rescue to emergency communications, and law enforcement.
In an article from NACo, a recent example out of Okeechobee County highlights how local innovation and strong partnerships can help address these challenges while creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
In Okeechobee County, public safety career programs embedded within the local school system are helping students gain early exposure to careers in fire rescue, 911 dispatch, and law enforcement. These initiatives, offered through career and technical education (CTE) programs, function as part of the regular school day, giving students hands-on experience before they ever enter the workforce.
Students enrolled in the county’s Fire Academy and 911 Dispatch courses learn foundational skills through simulation-based training, live drills, and even ride-alongs with first responders. These experiences not only build technical knowledge but also help students determine early on whether a career in public safety is the right fit.
From the article:
Implementing career training in high schools allows teens to solidify whether they want to pursue a career in public safety, which ultimately saves both them and the departments time and resources that would be spent if they went straight into the workforce and then determined it wasn’t something they were interested in, Whitehead noted. Even students who don’t end up pursuing a career in 911 dispatch, firefighting or law enforcement have benefited from the courses, she added.
This approach benefits both students and local governments. By allowing students to explore career paths in a structured environment, counties can reduce costly turnover and training investments that occur when new hires later discover the profession is not a good match.
The success of Okeechobee County’s model is rooted in strong local collaboration. Partnerships between the school system, public safety agencies, and community organizations have enabled the county to align training opportunities with workforce needs. Local leadership also leveraged grant funding to launch and sustain the program.
For rural and smaller jurisdictions in particular, growing talent locally can be especially effective. By creating a pipeline of trained, motivated candidates, counties can reduce reliance on external recruitment and provide young residents with opportunities to build careers within their own communities.
As counties continue to navigate workforce shortages and recruitment challenges, particularly in public safety and other essential services, this model offers a compelling example that early career exposure can play a key role in strengthening the workforce pipeline.
