This program prepares students for entry-level positions as firefighters.  Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to become certified Firefighters.  The program follows the State of Florida Firefighter Curriculum which offers comprehensive training that prepares a candidate to take the State Certification exams established by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

Some of the topics covered include fire alarms and communications, fire behavior, portable extinguishers, fire streams, ladders, hoses, tools and equipment, forcible entry, Personal Protective Equipment and a lot more.

The program is very demanding – both academically and physically. Students need to bring their “A” game as we take on the challenges facing every firefighter every day.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Entrance into either program requires passing a PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST.  This is an intense test. You need to have a minimum understanding of what you can do before we can build on it.  To qualify for the class you MUST be able to demonstrate you can perform 25 push-ups in 2 minutes, 40 sit-ups in 2 minutes AND run/walk a 1.5 mile course in 14:59 or less.  Plus, you will need to complete a 150’ hose pull, hit a Kaiser Sled for a distance of 5’ with a hammer, and complete the “tower evolution.” More information on the “tower” can be obtained from the link at the end of this course listing.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the Florida Minimum Standards Firefighter Examination.  The practical will be completed as part of the course. The written will be scheduled by the student upon notification of a successful practical examination.  Successful passing of these examinations will certify the student as a Florida Certificate of Completion and make them eligible for hire in the State of Florida.

Those taking the Combined Firefighter/EMT will also take the above, however, they will also be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician certification examination at the completion of the EMT portion of the class.  Successful passing of this test will allow the student to apply to the State of Florida for a license as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Program Dates

October 18, 2023 - May 15, 2024

Program Length

Standalone Firefighter – 492 Clock Hours

Combined Firefighter/EMT – 792 Clock Hours

Program Costs

Program Dates

Combined Firefighter/EMT

• August 26, 2024 - March 27, 2025

Combined EMT/Firefighter

• October 15, 2024 - May 12, 2025

Paramedic

• Begins August 19, 2024

Program Times

Standalone Firefighter

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Combined Firefighter/EMT

• EMT Portion – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM for 10 weeks
• Fire Portion - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM for 17 weeks

Salary Information - Firefighter (2019)

Instructor Contact Information

Dr. Kurt Larons

Phone: 850 786 6565

Email: KLarson2@ecsdfl.us

Location: EMS AND FIRE PROGRAMS, Building 3, Room 339