College Housing Initiative

Student Bunk-In Program

Supporting college students pursuing higher education while serving our community through emergency response staffing, training, and facility maintenance since 1994.

30+
Years of Impact
500+
Students Housed
2
Station Locations
24/7
Support Available
About the Program

A 30-Year Tradition of Service & Education

The North Syracuse Fire Department has operated this college housing initiative since 1994, providing essential support to volunteer firefighters pursuing higher education in our community.

The Exchange

Free housing at one of our two stations in exchange for emergency response staffing, weekly training participation, and light facility maintenance.

The program has produced many graduates who secured successful careers with fire departments and emergency service agencies throughout the region and beyond.

Education + Experience

Complete your degree while gaining real-world emergency service experience

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Firefighter Status

Current volunteer firefighter with North Syracuse Fire Department

NY Resident

Must be a current New York State resident at time of application

College Enrollment

Attending an accredited area college or university in Syracuse or Onondaga County

Training Commitment

Willing to attend weekly training and emergency response calls

Maintenance Duties

Able to participate in light maintenance and facility upkeep

Community Spirit

Committed to supporting the NSFD mission and community service

Station Amenities

Everything You Need to Succeed

Private Sleeping Quarters

Comfortable private rooms with all essential furnishings

Modern Bathrooms

Full bathroom facilities with hot water 24/7

Full Kitchen

Complete cooking facilities for meal preparation

High-Speed Internet

Reliable Wi-Fi throughout both station locations

Study Space

Dedicated quiet areas for homework and research

Fitness Center

24-hour access to equipment for staying in shape

Laundry Facilities

On-site washers and dryers for resident convenience

Common Areas

Recreation and relaxation spaces for downtime

Photo Tour

Take a Look Inside

Bunk-in members live, study, and train here. These are the spaces you'll use every day, from the bunk rooms and classroom to the fitness room, kitchen, and lounges.

All Station 1 Station 2
Bunk room with a single bed, navy bedding, a wooden headboard with the fire department emblem, and a built-in desk
A bunk room at the North Syracuse Fire Department, with a bed, desk, and storage for bunk-in members staying at the station.
Bunk room with two twin beds and a nightstand with a lamp between them
A shared bunk room with two beds, giving bunk-in members a place to rest between calls.
Meeting room with a wooden conference table, black office chairs, and a whiteboard
The station conference room, with seating around a large table and a whiteboard for meetings and planning.
Training classroom with rows of tables and chairs, a podium with the department emblem, and an American flag
Another view of the training classroom, with room for members to take courses on site.
Helmets, gear and materials laid out at the station, ready for our newest bunk-in students.
Cardio equipment in the fitness room helps members stay ready for the physical demands of firefighting.
The station fitness room, equipped with strength machines and cardio equipment for members.
Strength-training equipment in the fitness room, available to bunk-in members during their stay.
A recreation room for downtime between calls, with gaming chairs, a puzzle table, and the department emblem on the wall.
The station kitchen and dining area, where members share meals during their stay.
A comfortable lounge with sofas and a TV for relaxing off duty.
The day room, with recliners and a bar counter where members gather off duty.
Another view of the day room, decorated with framed photos from around the department.
Free weights and a squat rack in the station fitness room.
Treadmill and cardio machines in the fitness room, open to members around their schedules.
Partner Institutions

We Serve Students From Area Colleges & Universities

The Bunk-In Program welcomes volunteer firefighter students attending accredited colleges and universities in Syracuse and Onondaga County:

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Onondaga Community College

Onondaga Community College

LeMoyne College

LeMoyne College

Upstate Medical University

Upstate Medical University

Bill & Sandra Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital

Pomeroy College of Nursing

Bryant & Stratton College

Bryant & Stratton College

St. Joseph's College of Nursing

St. Joseph's College of Nursing

Utica University

Utica University

Open to All Area Institutions

The Bunk-In Program welcomes volunteer firefighter students from any accredited college or university in the Syracuse and Onondaga County region. If your school isn't listed here, we encourage you to apply.

Program Success

Building Careers in Emergency Services

The Bunk-In Program has a proven track record of helping volunteer firefighters complete their college education while gaining invaluable emergency response experience.

  • Hands-on emergency response training
  • Networking with emergency service professionals
  • Financial support through free housing
  • Career placement support after graduation

Many program graduates have successfully secured careers with fire departments and emergency service agencies throughout the region and beyond.

 

Career Acceleration

Real experience + degree + professional network = successful emergency service career

Ready to Apply?

Join the Bunk-In Program

Free Housing · Real Experience · Since 1994

If you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to advance your career while supporting your community, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Free Housing Live at one of our two fire stations at no cost while you're in school.
  • Respond to Calls Help staff emergency responses right from the station.
  • Train Every Week Attend weekly training with the department.
  • Help Keep the Station Running Pitch in with light maintenance duties.

Request Information

Tell us a little about yourself and our recruitment team will follow up.

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