ACADEMY OFFERINGS

The Firefighter Academy is offered in both an Extended and Intensive Format.

Extended Format: Is offered only in the Fall and takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-10 pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am-5 pm. There may be additional training days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The course also includes seven days of Wildland Training from 7 am to 7 pm. This format starts at the end of the Summer and continues throughout the Fall semester.

Intensive Format: Is offered only in the Spring of every year and meets Monday through Friday 8am-5pm beginning in mid-January and ending in early May.

UNIFORMS AND PROTECTIVE GEAR

Students are required to provide a navy blue uniform, OSHA approved black “Station” boots (wildland boots are permitted provided they are kept to a high shine), running shoes, dark blue sweatpants, sweatshirt, short, and t-shirt (100% cotton). In order to provide NFPA compliant protective gear for live fire training, students are also required to rent turnouts for the duration of the academy (from a specific third-party vendor). The approximate cost for uniforms and turnout rental is $1100. This is in addition to the enrollment and material costs for the academy.

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY APPLY FOR THE FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY: 

(must be 18 yrs old by the application deadline date)

1. DECIDE WHICH ACADEMY FORMAT YOU WISH TO ATTEND:

INTENSIVE ACADEMY

  • Semester: Spring

  • Class Schedule:

    • Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Application Open Date: September 1, 12:01 AM

  • Application Deadline: October 1, 11:59 PM

EXTENDED ACADEMY

*Includes a few Monday, Wednesday, and Friday sessions along with seven days of wildland training from 7 AM - 7 PM*

Extended Fire Academy Application 

  • Semester: Summer/Fall

  • Class Schedule:

    • Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    • Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Application Open Date: May 1, 12:01 AM

  • Application Deadline: June 1, 11:59 PM

IMPORTANT: Applications will not open until the Application Opens dates and times listed above. You can prepare your documents in advance and be ready to submit once the application period begins. The application process is not a first come, first served process; it is based upon a randomized lottery system.

2. MEET THE REQUIREMENTS BELOW*:

  • ​ Emergency First Responder (or possession of a current EMT Card)

IMPORTANT: You can apply for the Firefighter Academy while still enrolled in these courses, but all three must be completed with passing grades before the application deadline to be considered a complete application.

3. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION (Must Be 18 Years Or Older):

  • ​Use the application link for the Academy you wish to attend.

    • Extended Academy (Summer/Fall) Application

    • Intensive Academy (Spring) Application

IMPORTANT: Application links will not work until the start of the application window begins (dates and times listed above). You can prepare your documents in advance and be ready to submit once the application period begins. The application process is NOT a first-come, first-served; it is based on a lottery system. 

  • ​Complete the Firefighter Academy Application with all required information marked with an "*".

  • Upload Required Documents:

    • Firefighter Academy application

      • Medical Clearance Form (signed by your physician and no more than 12 months since the date of signature)

      • Code of Conduct Form

      • Voluntary Medical Waiver Form

      • Sponsorship Letter

        • If you are being sponsored by a fire organization, include a letter from the Fire Chief of the agency you are being sponsored by (example below). Please note* Sponsored students are not guaranteed a spot into the academy.

    • You will receive a Fire Academy Application Submission email confirming that your application has been received and will be reviewed.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS OVERVIEW:  

  • Application Review:

    • Complete applications: All documents submitted within the application window and all prerequisites are met.

    • Incomplete applications (if any of the below apply):

      • documents are missing

      • incomplete documents (i.e. missing signatures)

      • prerequisites have not been completed.

  • If there are more applicants than available spots, students with complete applications will be entered into a lottery.

  • If you are selected in the lottery, you will receive an email 1-2 weeks after the application deadline. This email will include instructions on how to "claim" your spot by responding and following the given directions.


NEXT STEPS AFTER ACCEPTANCE: 

  • Complete the Following in the acceptance Packet:

    • Complete the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire with a licensed physician at your cost. While we provide the form used by Kaiser for your convenience, you may use any Occupational Health Provider if they use an OSHA-approved form. Prices vary.

    • Follow the directions on the enclosed flyer to rent turnouts at your own cost from 911 Safety Equipment.

    • Obtain the required classroom uniform, which must be purchased at your own cost. Vendors are listed in the packet; prices vary.

    • Complete the general academy paperwork.

  • Pay for the Academy:

  • The cost is approximately $1,800 for enrollment, course fees, and parking. This does not include third-party fees.

  • Attend Orientation:

    • Attendance at the orientation is mandatory

      • The orientation date will be provided in the acceptance packet.