SMFR is a 24/7 fire and rescue department operated exclusively by students of Saint Michael’s College
We’re not just offering you a seat at the table. We’re handing you the reins. Here, you’ll:
- Train side-by-side with professional firefighters, medics, and alumni
- Earn certifications and field hours that set you apart in any public service or medical career
- Hold rank and lead crews in one of Vermont’s most active emergency service areas
- Belong to a true family that always has your back
- Earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree (in any of 40+ majors) while serving with SMFR
For over 50 years, Saint Michael’s College Fire & Rescue has been run by students, for the community.
Fully operational. And fully in your hands.
Everyone starts somewhere
No prior fire or rescue experience required
Some of our members come in with fire or EMS training. Others join having never stepped on a rig. Both go on to become paramedics, military officers, career firefighters, and corporate leaders.
You’ll get hands-on training, mentorship from professionals, and leadership opportunities that most departments don’t offer until years in. If you’re ready to serve, we’ll meet you where you are.
"This program will give you an unforgettable 4 years
while teaching you about teamwork, duty, integrity, and sacrifice. Many of us have gone on to career fire/rescue departments and continue to support each other through academy graduations, promotions, and eventually retirement."
Tim Hackett
"I'd never been interested in emergency services and didn't have a plan for the future. I found my community and future waiting for me at SMFR. Over a decade later and I've worked as a career firefighter, found a career that I'm passionate about, and met my wife, another SMFR alum!"
"Fire and Rescue changed my life. I would not be in the position I am today without the work of those that came before me, my classmates, and the current student members who continue to uphold the core values of SMFR."
"The lessons I learned from the thousands of calls and trainings still guide me every day in both my career and my life."
"I truly believe the time spent on SMFR helped me reach my ultimate goal of becoming a flight nurse/paramedic."
"As a member of the fire unit, I became a driver, driver trainer, and training officer.
to make a real difference in someone’s life, to sign up for SMFR."
I am a career firefighter in Spokane, WA and I can absolutely say that SMFR gave me the skills and experience to help me be successful in my career. I highly recommend that any student that is looking for a way to give back to their community and wants
that is looking for a way to give back to their community and wants to make a real difference in someone’s life, to sign up for SMFR."
I am a career firefighter in Spokane, WA and I can absolutely say that SMFR gave me the skills and experience to help me be successful in my career. I highly recommend that any student
What's waiting for you here
Leslie Lindquist, Manager — Critical Care Transport
Click to explore where you can go from here.
Click on the images below to explore where you can go from here.
Our members go on to become FDNY officers, flight nurses, Coast Guard rescue swimmers, Marine aviators, and corporate leaders.
Where will this take you?
FDNY Lieutenant & Father of an SMFR Alum
Physician Assistant at Albany Medical Center
Lieutenant, Spokane Washington Fire Department
Serving Chittenden County & Saint Michael’s Campus
Exclusively student-run & operated since 1969
Fully operational fire & EMS department
Over 4,000 calls annually
The runsheet:
Talk to a member about which unit could be a good fit for you or your student.
Have questions?
Explore the Rescue Experience
Explore the Fire Experience