FIREFIGHTER I & II (FIREFIGHTER MINIMUM STANDARDS) (450 Hours)

This Minimum Standards Certification Course for firefighters is a mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging program that includes extensive classroom and practical elements. The 450-hour course runs for thirteen consecutive weeks for the day course, meeting Monday-Thursday, 7 A.M. - 5 P.M.  The night course runs Monday & Thursday, 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. and Saturday, 7 A.M. - 5 P.M. at the Ridge Career Center campus, located on State Road 544 located in Polk County. All class sessions are presented regardless of weather conditions and no absences are permitted.

For more information, please contact the Academy Secretary for further information.

Tentative Course Schedules

Day Courses:

January - April                                                                          August - November

 

Night Course:

September - April

Pre applications for the MSC August 2008 Full-time Fire Standards Program will start Beginning the first week of February from 7am to 2pm everyday.

A mandatory meeting for anyone interested in the Part-time Fire Standards Program will be given to the applicant at the time of application.

Thank you for your interest in the Fire Training Program. To sign up for courses and for information on our program such as: start dates, costs, requirements, etc., you must come directly to the Ridge Fire & Emergency Services Academy or call us at 863-419-3060 ext. 4501. Please inquire about specific pre application dates for the Fire program.

Requirements:

1. You must be 18 years of age or older.
2. High School Diploma or GED required
3. Valid Driver's License
4. Pass TABE test with 10.0 or better in Reading, Language and Math
5. Pass Agility test
6. Pass Drug test
7. Complete Medical Physical - EKG and hearing exam required
8. Meet all required deadlines
9. You must attend the mandatory meetings.  Lateness will result in automatic dismissal.

TABE - Full Battery Level A:  The TABE test is valid for only 2 years

The cost of the TABE test is fifteen dollars ($15).  The test is given Monday through Thursday at 7:45am.  Please call the receptionist for an appointment.  A score of 10.0 or better is required to enter the Fire Training Course and the application will not be processed until you have demonstrated a passing score.  You do not have to take the TABE test if you have a College Degree.  If you do not pass the TABE test by our deadline, you will have to re-apply for the next available program.

AGILITY Test:

This is a timed test of your physical abilities in running, climbing, pushing, and pulling.  This test must be passed in order  for you to be accepted into the Fire Training Program.  All of the above areas are described in the Student Packet the you will receive at the initial mandatory meeting.

LETTER of ACCEPTANCE and ADMISSIONS:

Once you have successfully completed the pre application, TABE test, medical physical, agility test and have attended the mandatory meetings and have met all of the deadlines and requirements, you may receive a Letter of Acceptance. Twenty-four students will be accepted into each program. We DO NOT retain a waiting list for the following and upcoming programs. If you are not accepted into the current program, you will have to reapply for the upcoming program.

Complete an On-Line Ridge Application:

You may register at the main office upon receipt of your Acceptance Letter. Please call Tina Scott at 863-419-3060 ext. 4102 to register. A $182.50 seat deposit and application fee of $20.00 is required at time of registration.  Also, a deposit for tuition is $100.00.

Financial Aid:

You are advised to begin working on financial aid as soon as the Letter of Acceptance is received. This letter is used to confirm your acceptance into the program. Information can be obtained from RCC’s Financial Aid Coordinator, Ms. Jean Baker, concerning application for financial aid.

Payment:

Be advised that full payment of the program is required before the first day of class. Cash, checks, Visa and Master Card are accepted at the school bookstore. Failure to pay for the program before the start date will result in dismissal.

Criminal Background Check:

The cost of the criminal background check is $52.50.  You may contact the Academy Secretary to find out who make the checks payable to.

If you have a felony conviction or any misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, you may not be permitted to take the State Licensure Exam at the end of the program. If there are any problems, you will be notified. Again, persons with a felony conviction may not be permitted to take the State exam. If you have any questions in regards to criminal backgrounds, please come see us or call us at the fire academy.

Other Associated Cost to the Program:

All MSC students must pay $10.00 to obtain a Polk County Public Schools ID and a Ridge Career Center parking permit.

The Fire Technical Certificate Program for Firefighting is a comprehensive course consisting of lectures, practical, and “LIVE” fire training. This is a very intense program, physically as well as academically designed to prepare the student to become a State Certified Firefighter.