Zeeland class offers early firefighter, police training

ZEELAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Brayden Fitchette is a Zeeland high school senior who dreamed about a career in public safety at a young age.

"Ever since I was in second grade, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter," he said.

He's already getting the chance to follow that path. In one of his courses, Fitchette and his classmates get out of the classroom, suit up and learn how to be firefighters. They can also learn about law enforcement, emergency medical services and 911 dispatching.

"I didn't think it was going to be this hands-on," Fitchette said. "But the first day, our teacher was like, 'You're going to have your own turnout gear, your own duty belt.' I was like, 'Whoa, this is fantastic.'"

Students learn the technical aspects of the job and get invaluable experience.

"The hands-on exposure in a high school setting is unique in comparison to other programs. This is amazing. This is perfect," Fitchette said.

The introduction to public safety course was a labor of love for teacher Nate Vande Guchte, who works with the Zeeland Fire Department.

"I get a little emotional about it. I think about my own journey. I think about when I was in their shoes, I didn't have this path," Vande Guchte said.

The class has 24 students, 16 of whom are girls, including one who has firefighters in her family.

"They're really happy that I'm taking the class," senior Alexis Regnerus said. "I kind of told them about it. They're really excited and kind of hope to maybe see me go into the firefighter side of things."

Just days into the class, Fitchette has no doubts about his career choice.

"I'm 100%. I'm all in," he said.