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Fire & Rescue Academy

Fire & Rescue Academy logo

The Fire & Rescue Academy Program is sponsored by the University of Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI), and the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Successful completion of the program can offer up to 16 college credit from the University of Maryland through ACES towards a fire science or emergency management degree.  Cadets will have the opportunity of becoming certified Maryland Emergency Medical Technicians, Firefighters I and II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Rescue Technicians and many other fire and rescue classes. This program affords cadets the opportunity to meet all pre-requisites for employment by any career Fire Department.

The purpose of this program is to train students in the art of firefighting and emergency medical technology. In this program you will learn:

  • Basic firefighting training
  • Functions and responsibilities of an engine company and a truck company
  • Use of the tools and equipment during simulated fireground operations involving fire attack, search & rescue, ventilation, salvage & overhaul and ladder operations
  • EMT training including recognizing, assessing and managing medical and trauma signs and symptoms in patients
  • Use of appropriate equipment for patient management and care
  • Work with other emergency services personnel in the care, transport and transfer of patients including patient and department record keeping
  • Principles and hazards of rescue including proper and safe use of tools, equipment, vehicle extrication, basic rigging, patient packaging and transfer, rope rescue operations and overland repelling
  • Analysis of hazardous materials incidents including planning an initial response and evaluating progress of actions taken

After successfully completing the two-year program, possible employment includes:

  • Firefighter
  • EMT/Paramedic
  • 911 Dispatcher
  • Fire Marshal
  • Emergency Services Management