Diploma Debate Delays Homeschooled Firefighter in Fremont

22-year-old Andrew Coates, a Cedar Bluffs Fire volunteer with an EMT license, was denied a Fremont firefighter job because his homeschooling diploma isn’t considered accredited. Fremont says accreditation is implied when a diploma is requested; supporters argue this blocks homeschooled applicants. At a Civil Service Commission hearing, officials voiced concerns but took no action to change policy, leaving Coates about 30 days to pursue court action.