Fire Academy

Program Information

Firefighters are trained to extinguish and control fires in response to situations where property, life, or the environment is in danger. At the scene of an emergency, firefighters perform tasks assigned by their commanding officer. Depending on the situation, they may need to provide medical attention, break through debris, operate fire hoses, or enter a burning building. Firefighters are often first responders to car accidents, heart attack scenes, and other medical emergencies that do not involve fire.

The Firefighting Certificate program is one semester program for students who already hold a First Responder, EMT or paramedic certification. For students that don’t hold these certifications, the Firefighter/EMT Program is a two semester program consisting of one semester of Fire Academy and one semester of EMT. Students who don’t already hold a certification must apply to this program.

Applicants to this program must have a high school diploma or GED and meet other applicable admission criteria. If the number of qualified applicants to the program exceeds the number of openings, students will be accepted using a Selective Admission Point System. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability. Contact the Firefighting Office at (850) 729-4924 for additional information.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to the Fire Academy by applying online. Select “VC-Firefighter Basic” or “VC-Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician” from the dropdown box under “Intended Program of Study.”

Before program admission

• Must currently hold First Responder, EMT or paramedic certification if applying for Firefighter Basic, otherwise applicants should apply for the two-semester FF/EMT program.
• Must never have been convicted of a felony (must be in compliance with S 112.011(2)(b))

After program admission

• Medical Examination
• Take the TABE test (if applicable)
• Submit sworn nonuser of tobacco/tobacco products affidavit