North Whidbey Fire & Rescue

SkillBridge Firefighter Academy & Internship Program

A Direct Transition from Military Service to the Civilian Fire Service

North Whidbey Fire & Rescue (NWFR) participates in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program to provide eligible active‑duty service members with a structured, full‑time transition pathway into the civilian fire service during their final 120–180 days of military service, while remaining on active‑duty pay and benefits.

The program is offered once per year and is intentionally designed to prepare participants to be competitive, job‑ready candidates for civilian firefighter employment.

Participation in the SkillBridge program does not guarantee employment with North Whidbey Fire & Rescue.

Program Timeline

• Offered once per year
• Typical dates: Early March through mid‑June
• Firefighter Academy and SkillBridge internship operate simultaneously as one integrated program

This schedule establishes the required participation window for all SkillBridge participants.

Participation Pathways

Firefighter I & II Academy + Internship

For service members not currently Firefighter I & II certified

This pathway includes:

• Full Firefighter I & II Academy
• Curriculum delivered under International Fire Training Standards Association (IFTSA)
• Classroom instruction, skills labs, and practical training evolutions
• Concurrent full‑time SkillBridge internship with North Whidbey Fire & Rescue

Upon successful completion, participants are eligible to test for:

• IFSAC Firefighter I
• IFSAC Firefighter II
• Pro Board Firefighter I & II

Internship‑Only Pathway

For fully certified firefighters

Service members who already possess:

• Firefighter I & II certification (IFSAC and/or Pro Board), and
• A current NREMT certification

may be eligible to participate in the SkillBridge internship only, without attending the Firefighter I & II Academy.

This pathway provides:

• Full‑time, structured civilian fire service immersion
• Operational, training, and professional exposure within a municipal fire department
• Transition support for experienced military or installation firefighters

Certification verification and departmental review are required prior to acceptance.

Program Commitment & Physical Readiness

Participation requires a full‑time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week) and a high level of physical and professional readiness.

Participants must be prepared for:

• Physically demanding training environments
• Sustained activity in firefighter personal protective equipment
• Academic study concurrent with hands‑on skills training
• Strict compliance with safety standards and performance expectations

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin physical preparation well in advance of the program start date.

SkillBridge Timing & Application Process

To align with the Firefighter Academy schedule:

• Applicants should generally be within 6 to 4 months of separation when the program begins
• The DoD SkillBridge participation window is 120–180 days, subject to command approval
• Strongly advised: Begin the SkillBridge application and command coordination process at least four (4) months prior to the academy start date

Late or incomplete applications may prevent participation.

Employment Intent

While participation in this program does not guarantee employment, the SkillBridge Firefighter Academy and Internship are structured to reflect civilian fire service hiring expectations.

Training, performance standards, professionalism, and accountability are aligned to prepare participants to be competitive entry‑level firefighter candidates upon separation.

Housing & Lodging

North Whidbey Fire & Rescue does not provide housing, lodging, or relocation assistance for SkillBridge participants.

Service members are responsible for securing their own housing, transportation, and living arrangements for the duration of the Firefighter Academy and/or internship. Applicants should carefully consider personal logistics when determining their ability to participate.

Who Should Apply

• Active‑duty service members within 120–180 days of separation
• Individuals approved to participate in SkillBridge by their command
• Candidates physically and academically prepared for firefighter training
• Service members pursuing civilian fire service employment

Contact Information

For program details or SkillBridge coordination:

📧 Email: c.kohfield@nwfr.org
📞 Phone: (360) 969‑9737
🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday, 0800–1700

Service members are responsible for initiating and coordinating SkillBridge approval through their command prior to participation.