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St. Paul, Minn. (AP)

St. Paul aims to increase number of minority firefighers

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The city of St. Paul is launching a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of minorities in the city's ranks of firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

The program is the first of its kind in Minnesota. The program will pay 40 participants up to 25 hours a week while they go through one of two 10-week EMT certification programs.

If they get the certification, they can take the firefighter test.

Coleman says offering paid training makes it more likely applicants will attend, even if they can't afford to quit their jobs.

St. Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter says it's important to have a diverse Fire Department since firefighters are called on regularly to assist people from different cultures.