He will need to get all of the pre-req classes (fire science classes) out of the way at a local J.C. and then even go on to a four year school in order to get a B.A.
The old days are over when you could get a job with a high school education. All of the guys we hire now have all of these credentials pluse sometimes they even have Para-Medic school behind them.
Compitition has driven this industry to these new levels but we still do the same job(put the wet stuff on the red stuff).
He should start now a become a Explorer with a department that has a program. He will learn from being in the click.
Any questions just ask.
Also stay out of trouble including speeding tickets. The back ground investigation is very tuff. If he has ever gotten in trouble he may want to think of something else now and not waste his time.
Jeff