How Southwestern is training Oregon’s next generation of firefighters
When a call for help comes, firefighters are the ones who step forward without hesitation. They stand ready to protect the lives and property of the neighbors they proudly serve. In a small close-knit community like ours, their presence brings reassurance, comfort, and a sense of relief when every second counts.
But that readiness doesn’t happen by chance, it’s the result of preparation.
“Preparation is the separation between the average firefighter and the great firefighter,” says Mike Seldon, Assistant Professor of Fire Science at Southwestern. “That’s why students are here: to learn, to grow, and to serve.”
Southwestern’s Fire Science program is one of the proudest examples of how education meets community service. It’s a hands-on, high-impact degree designed for people who want to make a real difference. Every fire station, every volunteer, and every trained responder matters.
A commitment to community
Professional firefighters do more than respond to emergencies. They contribute to the region’s safety, stability, and economic vitality. They’re part of a workforce that supports families, builds trust, and strengthens the bonds that hold communities together.
“No one is perfect,” says Seldon, “but firefighters are looked up to as examples in the community. That fact affects how you live and treat others. My job is to instill that core belief and philosophy in my students – of service to the community every day.”
It’s not just about learning to fight fires. It’s also about learning to lead with integrity.
“SWOCC’s program does more than train firefighters. It keeps people who already know and care about our community here where we need them. At Coos Bay Fire, we stay involved with the program because it’s an investment in our future workforce and in the safety of our community.”
– Coos Bay Fire Chief Jeff Adkins
A degree for every path
For students eager to enter the workforce, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Science provides the hands-on training needed to begin serving their communities right after graduation. Students learn core firefighting skills like operating hoses, performing search-and-rescue, and understanding fire behavior and prevention. All done through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience. A required internship places them side by side with professional firefighters at local stations, offering real-world learning, confidence-building, and valuable networking opportunities. To strengthen their readiness, students are encouraged to volunteer at their local station or earn EMT certification, adding crucial experience to their resumes.
For those aiming to move into leadership or administrative roles, the Associate of Science (AS) in Fire Science provides a strong academic foundation designed for transfer to a four-year university, emphasizing management, strategy, and the broader operations of the fire service.
Students interested in becoming paramedics can pursue a dual-degree option that combines Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services in just three years.
Both degrees reflect the same guiding principle: that firefighters aren’t just skilled professionals. They’re leaders, role models, and protectors of the public good.
“These partnerships are paying off. The five most recent full-time firefighters hired by the North Bend Fire Dept. are all graduates of Southwestern’s program – and they are outstanding. These firefighters embody the strength, skill, and compassion we strive for in the fire service, and they serve our community with pride every day.”
– North Bend Fire Chief Jim Brown
A calling, not just a career
For anyone who’s ever felt the pull to help others – to step forward when others step back – SWOCC’s Fire Science program is the place to begin your journey.
“Southwestern’s Fire Science program laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished in my career. The education, mentorship, and training I received shaped me as a firefighter and a leader. Partnering with SWOCC to inspire future firefighters is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
– Charleston Fire Chief Mick Sneddon
Is this the career for you?
The right skills include
- Critical thinking
- Coordination with others
- Good judgement & decision-making
Let’s explore ideas: Text or Call 541-240-8227; or email us at SWOCCbound@socc.edu.
