Capital City Fire Rescue Fills Five Positions with New Apprenticeship Program

Five firefighter apprentices were officially sworn in as members of Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) in October 2025, addressing vacancies in Juneau’s fire department. These apprentices are a part of CCFR’s new apprenticeship program for locals to earn firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications while actively working in the department.  

“The plan is to get locals with roots in our community the skills for a stable career and a reason to stay in Juneau,” said former CCFR Fire Chief Rich Etheridge. “I think this program is going to solve recruitment and retention in the fire department.” 

Like other fire departments around the country, CCFR has faced a shortage of applicants qualified to join the department. CCFR’s Assistant Chief, Sam Russell, says that’s because it’s difficult to get certified. Before the apprenticeship, the only option local applicants had to earn their certifications was to volunteer outside of their other responsibilities.  

Small departments, like Juneau’s, also have trouble providing training on top of meeting community needs.  

“Our solution was to hire people that can work for us while getting certified, so they’re actually filling ambulance seats,” said Assistant Chief Russell. “The apprentices relieve pressure on the department, so we’re able to provide training.” 

The five apprentices completed their EMT certifications before swearing into the force. They will help with the around 5000 calls that CCFR gets in a year.  

For Justis Paden, one of the apprentices, CCFR’s apprenticeship program opens the door to new opportunities. Paden was working in the tourism industry and taking college classes part-time when he heard about the program.  

“I was thinking of becoming a paramedic, but I wasn’t sure how to get there,” Paden said. “With the department, they’ll advance me to paramedic and give me the training, while I’m being paid.” 

CCFR leadership hopes to continue the CCFR’s new apprentice program. Along with their high school cadet program, they hope to see more firefighters in Juneau. 

For media inquiries, contact the CBJ Communications & Engagement division at [email protected].  

Capital City Fire Rescue apprentices Kajson Cunningham and Justis Paden graduate from the program in October 2025.