Those interested in becoming firefighters have a chance with the Sycamore Fire Department.

The department now is accepting applications for paid, on-call college interns.

The interns will be selected for the appointment on Aug. 1.

The on-call firefighters will be provided with fire academy training and college tuition for an associate’s degree in fire science, Fire Chief Bill Riddle said.

After the three-year training, the interns can work for Sycamore or can be hired somewhere else.

“This is a fairly unique program,” Riddle said.

Applicants will be required to pass physical and drug screenings. They also are required to live within seven miles of the city.

Students are expected to fulfill their obligations to the program, serve 24 internship hours per week, be full-time students and follow the rules of the Sycamore Fire Department.

Applications for the program will be accepted through Friday and will be available at the Sycamore Fire Department, 535 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.