Firefighting is a two-credit course intended for students, referred to as cadets, aspiring to pursue a career as a Firefighter. The program is physically demanding and requires students to adhere to both academic and professional standards, preparing them to effectively respond to live fire scenarios, hazardous material incidents, and search-and-rescue operations. Cadets gain comprehensive knowledge of procedures, equipment, and technologies commonly employed in fire departments. This course offers academic, mental, and physical challenges, aligning with National Fire Protection Association 1001-2013 standards, and provides the pathway to earn the Virginia Department of Fire Protection Firefighter I certification.
This course connects to the following career pathways:
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security - Public Safety (EMT and Firefighting)
Eligibility:
- Students must be at least 16 years old prior to the first day of instruction
- Students must pass the National Fire Protection Association 1582 physical assessment. The assessment is funded for students accepted into the Public Safety Specialty Program and includes:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Stress test (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, flexibility)
- Medical and health screenings (blood and urinalysis samples, cardia evaluation, vision and hearing tests)
- Chest x-ray