A U.S. Marine, a certified nursing assistant, and a massage therapist have all joined the Roseville Fire Department as part of an innovative program to recruit new and diverse talent to the profession.
Oursam Ali, Paige Schultz, and Alissa Rousso have been hired as fire cadets, a hands-on training initiative launched in 2021. Cadets in both Roseville Fire and Police Departments are paid, part-time positions that can lead to full-time job offers.
In fact, Oursam Ali, who has previous professional firefighter experience in suburban Atlanta, has already been promoted to a full-time firefighter/EMT position with the Roseville Fire Department.
Paige and Alissa both recently earned their emergency medical technician certifications in Minnesota and will start firefighter I and II training.
“Cadets have the opportunity to shadow our firefighters while on-duty and, when ready, participate with the firefighters on emergency calls, “said Assistant Fire Chief Neil Sjostrom. “The program helps them gain valuable real-world experience while pursuing their careers in fire service.”
Oursam Ali, who goes by Ali, grew up in the Atlanta area and joined the U.S. Marines after high school. After leaving the military, he worked as a firefighter in DeKalb County, Georgia for 19 months.
“When I was younger, I knew I wanted to do something that was strenuous and high tempo,” Ali said. “After the Marine Corps, I wanted camaraderie. I wanted a team working toward the same goal or mission. Firefighting is really suited for that.”
Ali’s wife Hanan grew up in St. Paul and urged him to apply in Minnesota. He said he’s excited to continue his career as a first responder.
“I really enjoy it. I like going on calls and helping people in distress. It’s fulfilling,” Ali said.
In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting.
Paige Schultz grew up in New Prague. Early on, she aspired go into the medical profession.
“I earned my CNA in high school and started working in nursing homes. I thought about nursing for a while but decided the bedside wasn’t really my thing,” Paige explained.
She completed her EMT certification at Mdewakanton Fire Department and was inspired by what she saw.
“I really liked the environment. I like the camaraderie and everyone working together. I saw the Roseville fire cadet position open up when I finished my EMT certification and thought, ‘This is perfect!’”
Paige was a high school athlete playing both lacrosse and volleyball. In her free time, she likes being outdoors enjoying nature and spending time with her rescue cat.
Alissa Rousso grew up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She studied massage therapy at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis and worked in that field for six years. The pandemic prompted her to switch careers.
“My dad was a volunteer firefighter, so that’s something that’s always been in the back of my mind,” she said. “In March, I did a ride-along with St. Paul Fire Department Frogtown Station and I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.”
She completed her EMT certification in 2023.
“I have always been a helper. That’s what fills my cup, helping people,” Alissa explained. “Also, I am not a sit-behind-the-desk person. I like to be active, going out and doing things, and being part of a team.”
Alissa was also a high school athlete playing basketball, softball, and volleyball. She and her husband Joe have two rescue dogs. She said she knows Roseville because her two sisters live here.
Welcome to Roseville, Ali, Paige, and Alissa!