Thurston Fire Rescue Training Consortium

Firefighter 1 Recruit Academy
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The Firefighter Recruit Academy course of study is designed to provide new firefighters the basic knowledge and skills to perform safely on the fireground in a company formation. The curriculum objectives meet the requirements of the Washington State Basic Firefighter I Training Program.

 

The academy prepares firefighter recruits for active service in participating Thurston County fire departments:

What is the academy purpose?

 

The recruit academy prepares students for the fireground by providing classroom and drillground training in all primary fire service topics, including fire behavior, fire suppression, water supply, ventilation, search and rescue, overhaul, salvage, and fire scene evidence protection.

 

Firefighter recruits receive instruction in the use of all firefighter tools and equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

 

The academy runs for three months with classes held weekly on Monday and Wednesday nights and extended fireground practicals during three full weekends. 

 

What is a firefighter recruit?

 

Firefighter recruits are those individuals who have the desire, drive, determination, dedication, and devotion to serve their community through volunteer service as a firefighter. Recruits who enroll in the academy are newly appointed volunteer firefighters with their member agencies. They must successfully complete the academy in order to progress further with their respective departments.

 

Many individuals who enroll in the academy are searching for a career in the fire service as a full time paid firefighter. They enroll in the academy to gain the initial training that will lead them down that path through ongoing training and certification with their sponsoring agency. They gain volunteer experience with their district in order to learn the profession.

Recruit Testimonials 
 

As a 30 something age volunteer starting in the fire service I have to admit I was hesitant to commit to the ammount of time required to fulfill the FF1.  When class began I felt a bit out of place and I was concerened that I should naturally know more about fire fighting than the rest of the class because I was older.
 
This was all in my head of course and as class continued I realized that the class was very diverse, both in age and experience.  I also recognized quickly that we as a class were a team and being uncomfortable was apart of growing as a person and as a team. 
 
The staff involved were professional and cared very much for the recruits they were instructing.  Be aware that hands on training was not allways done in class (plan to take time outside of class to learn) and much of the class is spent in the classroom.  This class, like life in general, will give you what you put into it.  It is a start and was well worth it.

Jacob

Recruit Class 10-01

South Bay Fire Department

I have never been more impressed than I am now with the training and care that I received at the, Thurston Fire Rescue Training Consortium. After graduating I had my first shift on December 25th, 2009. That night we got a call to a Chimney fire at a local residence. When we arrived the home was fully involved and we began a defensive attack on the structure. My lieutenant had ordered me to get the water supply connected which I did without missing a beat. After that I was ordered to get a minuteman load to side B of the structure and help fight the fire. We were able to knock down the fire and protect all exposures. After the fire Chief Scott had asked me how everything went and I was very happy to report all went well. I can say without a doubt that I was ready for that fire and that it was the training that I received that made it possible.

Michael Shea

Fire Fighter, Class-2009-02

West Thurston Fire Authority, Station 1-1

Thurston County Firefighter Academy is an excellent resource for those looking to gain the building blocks necessary to begin a career in the fire service.  They take pride in providing a top notch education on the many components of firefighting.  They work hard to ensure you are given the opportunities to learn the skills necessary to be an asset to the fire service; as well as instill the characteristics required to be successful.  Courage, honor and teamwork are emphasized throughout the course, and you can't help but feel the camaraderie when graduation day comes.  The instructors are committed to seeing the students succeed and often make themselves available outside of class to continue teaching and training.  Thurston County Firefighter Academy is without doubt the first step in becoming a reliable and trusted member of the fire service family.  
 
Jacob Damian
Class 09-02
South Bay Fire Department
 
CLASS 09-02