NORTH PARK, Pa. (Thursday, Sept. 4) — Fifty high school students from across Allegheny County, including 14 from the Plum Borough School District, gathered Thursday evening for orientation at the county fire academy’s High School Entry Level Fire Training Dual Enrollment Program.

The program allows students to earn firefighter certifications as part of their elective coursework.

Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department said three of its junior firefighters — Avery, Chase and Emily — are participating. It marks the first year that students from Plum Borough are taking part.

Allegheny County Emergency Services hosted the orientation, which is held annually to prepare students for careers in the fire service.