This Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement prepares individuals for an entry-level career in the fire service by providing a foundation of core concepts, practices, vocabulary, culture, safety and requirements for the fire service. The program follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is a component of accreditation from the State Fire Marshal.

The Fire Technology program is accredited as a regional fire academy by the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the State Board of Fire Services.

For students interested in an Associate degree, a Fire Technology major is also available.

Most job growth will occur as a result of the need to replace firefighters who promote, retire, stop working for other reasons, or transfer to other occupations. The fire academy reviews and administers a physical agility test. A valid Class C and/or B driver's license and possession of EMT certification may be required for employment.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Describe all elements of the fire service including fire service history, culture and diversity; minimum qualifications and entry-level skills; and all elements of the application, hiring and probationary process.
2. Analyze, appraise and evaluate fire and emergency incidents and identify components of emergency management and firefighter safety.
3. Identify and comprehend laws, regulations, codes and standards that influence fire department operations and identify regulatory and advisory organizations that create and mandate them, especially in the areas of fire prevention, building codes and ordinances and firefighter health and safety;
4. Analyze the causes of fire, determine extinguishing agents and methods; differentiate the stages of the fire and fire development, and compare methods of heat transfer;
5. Identify and describe the equipment and apparatus used in the fire service and the maintenance of said equipment and apparatus;
6. Identify and describe common types of building construction and conditions associated with structural collapse and firefighter safety; and
7. Differentiate between fire detection and alarm systems and identify common health and safety concerns of firefighters and first responders.