Firefighter I & II

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Firefighter Diploma Program is six months long and offered twice a year: Spring (January through June) and Summer (July through December). The program is delivered in two progressive phases, requiring students to successfully complete the first phase before advancing to the second. This structured approach ensures a seamless transition as students build upon foundational skills and knowledge.

The program is designed to equip aspiring fire service professionals with the essential competencies needed for entry into the fire service. Emphasis is placed on firefighter safety and wellness, along with the tactics, techniques, and operational practices used in a variety of fire and emergency response scenarios.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world application, students will develop the physical and technical skills necessary to perform effectively and safely in the field.

Fire Physical Ability Test (FPAT) Information:

FPAT Testing Options

• Candidates may attempt the full FPAT on the designated Pre-FPAT testing days for a fee of $125.

  • Successfully passing the Pre-FPAT fulfills the FPAT requirement for program eligibility.

• Candidates who do not pass the Pre-FPAT are permitted one retest on a scheduled FPAT testing day for a fee of $80.

• Candidates who fail the FPAT on a scheduled FPAT day will be removed from eligibility for the upcoming fire academy class.

• Candidates must successfully pass the FPAT prior to enrolling in any future fire academy program.

FPAT Test Components

Physical Fitness Assessment

Candidates must successfully complete the following:

• 0.5-mile run in 4 minutes 30 seconds or less

• 25 push-ups in 1 minute or less

• 25 sit-ups in 1 minute or less

Timed Functional Circuit

Maximum Time Allowed: 7 minutes

Time begins when the instructor gives the command “GO.”

The circuit includes:

1. High-rise pack carry

   • Carry a 100-foot, 1¾” hose pack up and down a 5-story tower

2. 2.5” hose pull

   • Hand-over-hand pull of 100 feet of 2.5” hose

3. High-rise pack carry

   • Repeat run up and down the tower

4. Sledgehammer strikes

   • 20 total strikes on a tire (10 right-handed, 10 left-handed; order does not matter)

5. High-rise pack carry

   • Repeat run up and down the tower

6. Weighted sled drag

   • Drag sled 100 feet to stop the clock

Testing Guidelines & Clarifications

• The recruit must place the high-rise pack on their shoulder before the instructor says “GO.”

• Skipping steps is permitted when ascending, but not permitted when descending.

• Running is allowed throughout the circuit.

• The hose pull must be completed from one knee, using a hand-over-hand technique.

• The weighted sled will include a roll of 5” hose, pulled using a 2.5” hose strap.

 Features