WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wausau Fire Department is actively seeking recruits for its new 12-month apprenticeship program to fill vital firefighter positions that have become increasingly difficult to staff.
“It’s been a struggle across the state, and it’s getting harder to find individuals who want to get into the service,” Adam Rahn, president of the Wausau Firefighters Association Local 415, said.
The apprenticeship program, spearheaded by Rahn and Deputy Chief Justin Pluess, is designed to assist those who are searching for their first job or want to make a career change.
“We are looking for individuals that always wanted and dreamed of being a career firefighter, but didn’t know how to make that work with their current employment, or how to go to school and provide for a family,” Pluess said.
Participants in the program will earn a livable wage of approximately $45,000 per year from day one. The department also offers …