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Ludlowe Senior Blazes Career Path

Ludlowe senior Anthony Wadelton has the hottest internship around. It's not every day that an 18-year-old is sent into a building to put out a 900-degree fire. But for Wadelton, it was just one of many opportunities he had as an intern at the Fairfield Fire Department.

"I've been interested in [the fire department] since I was little," Wadelton said. "They used to come and talk about it and I've worked with a volunteer fire department before. I decided to take this chance while I could."

The fire at the Regional Fire Training Center was a controlled event and not an actual blaze and the final step in the Fairfield student's internship process. While working with the department, Wadelton did get to on real calls, including a car fire that he helped put out. He also received basic fire training to prepare him for a future career.

Wadelton is the third fire department intern and one of 201 Fairfield high school students taking part in a town-wide program that provides them with similar opportunities in the police department, at town hall, local newspapers and more.

"He did a great job. I would give him an A," said firefighter Justin Greenhaw, who was in charge of the internship program. "He was very respectful and he got involved when he could. He wants to be here."

Wadelton said he has begun the process to become a volunteer firefighter, but will have to wait until he is 21 to do so.

Greenhaw began the program last year after the first intern two years ago did not have much to do. Wadelton said that he would give Greenhaw an "A" as well for the program.

"He did well. You don't expect him to be a seasoned firefighter, but he got it, he's good at it," Greenhaw said.

Wadelton said it was not as hot inside the training building as he expected, but the gear itself was.

The hardest part now for Wadelton will be waiting until he is 21 to get back into the action.

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