PANAMA CITY ― For Commissioner Daniel Raffield, it’s important to give local high school students a clear path toward success.
During a Bay County Commission meeting on Aug. 19, Raffield announced that he, other county officials and Bay District School Superintendent Mark McQueen are working to establish a high school first responder program.
“The initiative will give students hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications to start their careers right after graduation,” Raffield said. “The need for first responders is at an all-time high, folks. It is paramount that we not only prepare our young men and women for these essential careers, but also give them the opportunity to stay here in Bay County ― to serve their own community.”
According to information from Bay District Schools, plans call for the first responder program to kick off during the 2026-2027 school year.
The district and county still are working out program details, including how it will be paid for and who will teach the courses.
In an email, district officials said they hope the program will not only provide additional education opportunities for local students, but also bolster the county’s workfoce.
District officials plan to access local schools to learn which have the most students interested in the program. This will help them determine where the program is the best fit.
“I think there is certainly a demand for these career fields in Bay County,” McQueen wrote in an email. “It appears to be 100% job placement upon graduation, so we’re very excited about providing these opportunities for our students.”
2025-08-22 21:11:00