Firefighter Academy students learning

 

FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY

Santa Rosa Junior College Fire Technology Program is accredited by the California State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services.  The curriculum for our Fire Academy is developed and monitored by State Fire Training, IFSAC and ProBoard.  The program goes through re-accreditation every five (5) years.  The Santa Rosa Junior College Fire Technology Program was re-accredited last on November 12, 2020.”

We Follow Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Standards and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Guidelines

SRJC Fire Academy Re-accreditation Highlights

SRJC Fire Academy Accreditation

SRJC Fire Academy Application Signature Page

OVERVIEW

The Firefighter Academy is a 17.5-unit course that includes an intensive series of skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level professional firefighter to perform his/her duties safely, effectively and competently. Combined with Emergency Medical Technician (not included in the fire academy), this course meets the educational requirements for Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification as established by the State Board of Fire Services. 

Training includes approximately 585 hours of instruction in basic firefighting skills and topics, including:

  • Firefighter health and safety
  • Protective equipment
  • Communications
  • Hand and power tools
  • Building construction and related hazards
  • Hose streams
  • Water supply systems
  • Ladders
  • Ventilation
  • Forcible entry
  • Search and rescue
  • Property conservation
  • Loss control
  • Firefighter survival / RIC
  • Fire behavior and control techniques
  • Firefighting tactics and strategy
  • Structural firefighting
  • Behavioral health
  • Cancer awareness
  • Wildland fire suppression
  • Hazardous materials/WMDs
  • Organize an incident management system
  • Complete a basic incident report
  • Communicate the need for team assistance
  • Extinguish an ignitable liquid fire
  • Control a flammable gas cylinder fire
  • Coordinate an Interior fire attack line
  • Protect evidence of fire cause and origin
  • Extricate a victim entrapped in a motor vehicle
  • Assist a rescue operations team
  • Perform a fire safety survey in an occupied structure
  • Present fire safety information
  • Prepare a preincident survey
  • Maintain power plants, tools, and equipment
  • Perform an annual service test on a fire hose
  • Physical fitness

Upon successful completion, students receive the following certificates:

  • Academy Completion Certificate
  • Cal Fire Fire Protection Orientation
  • CSTI Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational (FRO)
  • SFT Confined Space Awareness
  • SFT Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
  • SFT Firefighter Survival
  • SFT Fire Control 3B
  • SFT ICS 200
  • SRJC Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations (LARRO)
  • NWCG S-130
  • NWCG S-131
  • NWCG S-190
  • NWCG L-180

At the termination of the academy, students will complete testing that includes an SFT online written exam and skills tests that meet SFT, IFSAC, and Pro-Board requirements for Firefighter I and II.

With the course completion certificate and EMT card, you will have exceeded the academic requirements for certification as a Firefighter I and II. 

While the Firefighter Academy is not a “Core” course for a Fire Technology Degree or Certificate, it can be applied to meet the required elective units for either.

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.

For enrollment costs and vendor information for the current semester, please contact Ken Sebastiani in the Fire Technology Department at ksebastiani@santarosa.edu

LOCATION

The Firefighter Academy is held at the Public Safety Training Center:

*Some sessions are held off-site.

Santa Rosa Junior College – Public Safety Training Center

5743 Skylane Blvd.

Windsor, CA 95492

INTERNET LINKS

The Sonoma  County  Junior  College  District  is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students, employees, and applicants regardless of ethnicity, race,  color,  sex,  age,  religion,  marital  status,  sexual  orientation,  disability, national  origin,  status  as a veteran, medical  condition, or political  affiliation.

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

Intensive Fire Academy Application 

  • 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. COMPLETE THE (3) PREREQUISITE COURSES*:

  • ​Fire 71: Fire Protection Organization

  • EMC 100: Emergency First Responder (or possession of a current EMT Card)

  • Fire 208: Introduction to the Firefighter Academy

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):

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

    • Unofficial or official transcripts (screenshots or photos are not accepted)

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

      • Code of Conduct Form

      • SRJC Voluntary Waiver Form

      • Prerequisite Equivalency Form (If applicable)
        • If you completed EMC 100 or FIRE 71 at another educational institution, you need to fill out and submit a Prerequisite Equivalency Form. Once it's approved, you must email the approval to Nikki Soto at nsoto@santarosa.edu before the application deadline.
      • Prerequisite Challenge Form (if applicable)
        • If you completed EMC 100 or FIRE 71 through a private agency, you need to submit a Prerequisite Challenge Form online. After it’s approved, email the approval to Nikki Soto at nsoto@santarosa.edu before the deadline.
      • 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. Sample Sponsorship Letter
  •  
  • Submit the application by selecting "Submit Form" at the bottom of the application.
    • 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 3 prerequisites completed with passing grades.
    • 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: 

IMPORTANT: After securing your spot in the Academy, be sure to add Coordinator Dan Bull (dbull@santarosa.edu) and Nikki Soto (nsoto@santarosa.edu) to your email contacts to ensure you receive all important communications. You will be required to complete and return specific tasks, so it is crucial to meet all deadlines. Missing a due date could result in losing your spot in the Academy before the official orientation day.

  • 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.

​Make sure to follow all steps in the application process and fulfill all requirements listed in the acceptance packet to secure your spot in the Firefighter Academy.

 

 

For additional questions, please contact:

Nikki Soto

nsoto@santarosa.edu

Fire Technology Program & PSTC Payroll

Administrative Assistant

Santa Rosa Junior College

Public Safety Training Center 

5743 Skylane Blvd

Windsor, CA 95492

707-836-2907