The city of St. Paul is launching a pilot
program aimed at increasing the number of minorities in the city's
ranks of firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
The program is the first of its kind in Minnesota. The program
will pay 40 participants up to 25 hours a week while they go
through one of two 10-week EMT certification programs.
If they get the certification, they can take the firefighter
test.
Coleman says offering paid training makes it more likely
applicants will attend, even if they can't afford to quit their
jobs.
St. Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter says it's important to have
a diverse Fire Department since firefighters are called on
regularly to assist people from different cultures.