Oregon fire apprenticeship program helps attract more diverse firefighter candidates

Fire departments across Oregon are facing staffing shortages as veteran firefighters retire and volunteer numbers drop. But over the last two years, the Oregon Fire Apprenticeship program has been helping departments bring in more candidates from more diverse backgrounds.

The program has been running in Clackamas, Jackson, Klamath and Wasco counties. It recently expanded to Corvallis, Coos Bay and Umatilla County.