Diversity within the fire services requires significant attention. Demographic reviews of the fire service provide evidence of a large gap between the general population and fire service organizations. A variety of potential obstacles were identified. Among these factors was a lack of relevant exposure to fire service organizations and the pathway to a fire service career.  Opportunity cost associated with the education and training required was identified as a large factor affecting these groups. Additionally, an important component of recruitment is early and frequent contact with the youth in the community. Jonathan C. Gibbs EMT Preparatory Academy exists to address some of these concerns.