Newcastle Internships Ignite Student Interest in Firefighting and Community Service

Newcastle High School seniors are trading classroom desks for firefighter gear, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in emergency response through an innovative internship program. This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to step into the boots of local first responders and learn the ropes of firefighting and community service.

Students Trade Desks for Bunker Gear

The sun rises over Newcastle Fire Station 1, casting a warm glow on the red trucks lined up and ready. Inside, the atmosphere buzzes with the familiar sounds of the morning routine: the hum of equipment checks, the chatter of firefighters, and the occasional crackle of the radio. This is the daily life of a firefighter, but today it takes on a new significance.

Five seniors from Newcastle High School—Riley Dillman, Katie Ennis, Parker Hix, Tyler Runyan, and Adam Snider—are here, not for a typical classroom lesson, but to learn by doing. As they step into the station, there's a mix of anticipation and eagerness on their faces. This is their classroom for the day—and many days to come.

Donning the heavy bunker gear is just one of many tasks that quickly becomes second nature to the students. They participate in training drills, meticulously check equipment, and learn the importance of every detail, all under the watchful eyes of seasoned firefighters. Every task has its purpose, and the students are absorbing it all.

City Leaders Say Internship Program Has Community Impact

“These students are expected to do the same duties as a regular firefighter on shift,” says Fire Chief Todd Yates. His pride in the program is evident. “The only exception is related to their safety. They might go with us to a scene and observe, but they would not enter a situation where they could be endangered.”

The internship program offers a unique glimpse into the world of firefighting—a world that demands quick thinking, teamwork, and a deep commitment to serving others. For these students, it's an opportunity to learn skills that go far beyond the textbook. They're gaining firsthand experience in emergency response, understanding the importance of community service, and discovering whether they have what it takes to pursue this challenging career.

City Manager Kevin Self, a retired firefighter and former Newcastle fire chief, emphasizes the value of such programs. "This internship offers students a structured environment to observe and understand the operational aspects of fire service," Self states. "It's an important initiative that provides insight into the responsibilities and expectations associated with public safety roles. Our goal is to ensure students gain a realistic perspective on the demands and commitments required in this field."

Partnership Between School and Local Organizations

Coordinated by Newcastle Public Schools’ Nikki Gayler and Leigh Heatly, the program is more than just an internship; it's a bridge between the community and its future leaders. While these five students learn the ropes of firefighting, others are gaining experience in various fields across Newcastle. Each intern brings fresh energy and perspectives, gaining real-world skills that will serve them in any future career.

Local businesses and organizations play a crucial role in this initiative, providing mentorship and practical training that go beyond the classroom. This collaboration benefits both students and the community—students gain valuable skills and a clearer sense of direction for their futures, while the community helps cultivate a skilled and dedicated workforce. It’s an investment that builds not only careers but also a stronger, more connected community.

Since its inception in Fall 2022, the Newcastle Internship Program has seen remarkable growth. It expanded from just 17 students in its first semester to 58 students last year, and now it has reached an impressive 103 participants across the community. Offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters, the program has become a vital link between education and real-world experience. It offers students unique opportunities to explore potential careers, such as firefighting, through hands-on learning.

The Newcastle Internship Program continues to seek community support to expand opportunities for students. Those interested in contributing to the program’s success can contact Nikki Gayler, Racer Connect Coordinator, at 405-387-6359 or ngayler@newcastle.k12.ok.us