We are experiencing an emergency when it comes to filling certain first responder roles. South Florida faces a firefighter shortage as retirees exceed new hires. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “about 25,700 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”
In response, higher education is preparing the next generation of health professionals. This week, Barry University in Miami Shores invited media and other guests to witness how it’s training students in emergency services through its Fire Academy.
With the debut of a brand new fire truck, which serves as the centerpiece of the university’s investment in cutting-edge medical services education, Barry is now the only university program in the U.S. that, through the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences, offers a full-circle emergency management services program under the Academy of Emergency Management Services.
“It is the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary preparation of the next generation of health providers and those that are first responders,” said Dr. Eneida Roldan, Executive Dean, College of Health Professionals and Medical Sciences.
Documented evidence shows emergency responder shortages result in slower 911 response times, which increases the risk of injury, death, prolonged fires and inadequate multi-incident management.
According to university officials, Barry University’s Fire Academy achieved the highest scores in the tri-county area with a 94% pass rate, 95% job placement and 96% retention in 2025.
