How a fire department is investing in the next generation of firefighters with its immersive internship program.
In Wisconsin, the Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Department is not just training firefighters — they’re shaping the future of public safety through a unique internship program. For nearly three decades, this program has been developing essential skills in aspiring firefighters by offering them real-world experience and mentorship.
Many assume firefighting is all about hard skills such as using equipment, handling hoses and extinguishing fires. However, soft skills — such as teamwork, communication and adaptability — are equally important. The Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Internship Program ensures interns are prepared not only to handle emergencies but also to navigate the interpersonal dynamics of the job.
“Our interns have classroom knowledge on how to use the equipment,” said Assistant Chief Jim Peglow of Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue. “But having to use the equipment when the adrenaline is pumping is a completely different experience. Being there to support your fellow firefighters during the ups and downs is also something you can’t teach in a classroom.”
The semester-long program allows up to six interns. Each intern is paired with an experienced firefighter as their mentor. Mentors not only guide and teach the interns on the technical aspects of the job but also help them navigate and adjust to living and working in close quarters.
“We aren’t just coworkers,” said Peglow, who is also the head of the fire department’s training division. “We are a family and everyone has to do their part to keep things functioning.”
With 24-hour shift rotations and a commitment of 960 hours, interns are immediately thrown into the mix. They experience everything from responding to 911 calls alongside their mentor to routine tasks around the firehouse like cooking and cleaning.
“We’ve had interns who’ve never done their own laundry or cooked a meal for themselves,” explained Peglow. “But by the end of the semester, they’re taking ownership — cooking meals, doing chores and finding their place within the team. It’s amazing to see them grow, not just as firefighters, but as people.”
Interns also participate in community outreach events, a part of the job which is often overlooked, according to Peglow. “Knowing how to interact with the public and being excited to come to work are the soft skills we need.”
The program is a great opportunity for the mentors to brush up on their own hard and soft skills while benefiting from the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm of the younger generation.
"The interns often bring a 'do-it-yourself' mindset, which is refreshing," said Peglow. "They're tech-savvy and not afraid to try new approaches they've seen online to improve firefighting operations. At the same time, they're learning from older mentors on the importance of discipline, communication and teamwork."
As a first-generation firefighter in his family, Peglow knows firsthand the importance of these types of training programs. He credits a Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program for sparking his interest in the field over thirty years ago. While not as immersive as the Neenah-Menasha Internship Program, it showed him what it would take to pursue the career.
According to Peglow, the Neenah-Menasha Internship Program also allows interns to experience the medical side of being first responders. On a few rare occasions, interns have expressed their concern about the job.
“You see some heavy stuff as a first responder, and now is the time to figure out this may not be the right path, " said Peglow. “We will still support them and help them figure out what they want to do. We genuinely want to see our interns succeed in life.”
An impressive 90-95% of interns have gone on to become full-time firefighters, either with the Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Department or elsewhere. Peglow considers this a huge success.
“It’s been amazing to watch this program succeed and grow over the years, inspiring so many people to pursue not just firefighting but careers in public safety as a whole,” he said.
When asked what advice he has for aspiring firefighters, he keeps it simple. "Just go for it. No matter how challenging or unpredictable the day, I’ve never had a moment where I didn’t love coming to work."
As the program continues to evolve, the Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Department is dedicated to preparing the next generation of firefighters. Not only to tackle emergencies but to lead with heart, discipline and an unbreakable sense of camaraderie.
The Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Internship Program takes interns from Fox Valley Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC).