It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Tuesday February 17, 2026.
Correction: The Palmer Community Resource Day is on Thursday.
A group of teenagers crawls through a dark training tower at Wasilla High School. Alarms blare. Tools clang. The students are part of a fire science course. It prepares them for real-life emergencies.
The chaos teaches search and rescue techniques and fire attack strategies. Students learn teamwork under pressure.
Instructor Gabe Bailey says no other high school in the state prepares students for careers as structural firefighters. Several graduates have joined local fire departments.
The two-year course was launched four years ago for juniors and seniors in the Mat-Su Borough School District. Students experience the physical and mental demands of the profession. The course prepares them to take firefighting certification exams.
Assistant Fire Chief John Bailey Beebe helps lead the program. Beebe explains the program’s risks and expectations to the families. Students must pass interviews and physical tests to ensure they are self-motivated and prepared for the grueling work to enroll.
Beebe sees the program as vital to the community. Volunteer and part-time firefighter numbers are declining in the Mat-Su.
He cultivates a family-like culture within the classes. This mirrors the camaraderie of fire crews. Students build trust and resilience through high-stress training and shared adversity.
Most coursework happens at school. Once a month students gather at Central Mat-Su Fire Station 6-2 for intensive “station days.”
These sessions last more than seven hours. They include physical workouts, and hands-on exercises in training towers.
Students practice timed drills to don full gear in under two minutes. They practice advancing the charged hoses through obstacle-filled rooms. They must manage friction points, and communicate effectively.
Others conduct simulated search-and-rescue missions in darkened rooms. They use tools and thermal imaging cameras to locate a rubber “victim.”
Later in the year, first-year students confront a live fire. They experience the heat and fire behavior before extinguishing the blaze.
The class attracts a diverse group of students.
Parents praise the high expectations and accountability of the program. They note the pride and accomplishment their children bring home after demanding station days. The program provides direction and purpose for students.
The program focuses on structural fire training. It complements other career pathways, such as wildland firefighting and emergency medical training.
Students can earn dual credit with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
This story was based on a piece written by Tim Rockey of the Anchorage Daily News at adn.com.
The Lunar New Year begins today for the Chinese and other Southeast Asians. Ramadan begins tonight for Muslims. Lent begins tomorrow for Catholics.
The Mat-Su Borough meets tonight at 6 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers.
The School Board meets tomorrow night at 6 p.m. in the School Board Chambers.
Free fun for families with children 5 and under is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Bryce Ray Community Center Gym, 7010 E Bogard Road. United Way of Mat-Su sponsors this event.
The Palmer Community Resource Day runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Palmer Depot. Learn about social service agencies in the Palmer area. Representatives from 28 agencies will be available to assist in connecting to services and benefits.
Comedy for a Cause is a stand-up comedy fundraiser for Alaska firefighters at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Palmer Alehouse. Tickets are $20.
Mascot Arts discusses the play Rumors by Neil Simon at The Trinity Barn, 10355 E Palmer Wasilla Highway at 6.m. tomorrow.
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This Page Two article was read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday February 17, 2026.