New Michigan law allows trained high school students to become firefighters at age 18

According to the state fire marshal, about 75 percent of Michigan is protected by volunteer or part-time firefighters. But according to supporters of the new law, it can be difficult for fire departments to recruit and retain people who will serve as volunteer or part-time firefighters unless their interest is captured at a young age.

"The training can be demanding, and when men and women have reached their mid-20s or 30s, they have other commitments and are involved in other activities," reads an analysis of SB 212 put out by the Senate Fiscal Agency. "If 16- and 17-year-olds participated in firefighter training through their school, and found firefighting to be interested and rewarding, they could join a department when they turned 18."

Some fire departments already participate in a program affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America called Fire Service Exploring, which offers hands-on experience for youths who might be interested in firefighting careers. Through the program, fire departments establish so-called "exploring units" or "posts" to offer firefighter training to 16- and 17-year-olds.

The thinking behind SB 212 is that more students would take advantage of that kind of training if school districts partnered with fire departments and, with approval of the State Board of Education, gave credit for the training.

The new law permits school districts to affiliate with fire departments to allow 16- and 17- year-olds to participate in training courses and firefighter exams, and allows school boards to apply for authorization to hire non-certificated trainers to teach firefighter courses.

The bill received support from state Reps. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor; Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township; and David Rutledge, D-Superior Township, and Rick Olson, R-York Township; as well as state Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor.

Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor when the governor is outside the state.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.