Firefighter One Academy
Have you always wanted to be a firefighter? The Red Rocks Community College Fire Science program and Firefighter Academy can provide the key to an exciting career in the fire service! The Academy offers students the opportunity learn from and network with instructors already on fire departments, as well as to receive hands-on training in preparation for becoming a Level One certified firefighter in Colorado.
Career Opportunities
The Red Rocks Firefighter One Academy prepares you for future entrance into the fire service, for volunteer firefighter positions, and for the rigorous testing involved in applying for paid positions with a fire department.
Salary range. Rookie firefighters’ earn a salary ranging from $40,000 to $50,000, and within the first four years salary may increase by up to $10,000, depending on the hiring agency. Raises in salary are automatic thereafter; however, individuals may pace themselves and, with some motivation, move up the salary scale more rapidly.
Promotions. Firefighters applying for promotions must have the specific knowledge required for the desired position and challenge the entrance exams for the position. Some positions with a fire department require the applicant to possess either a two- or four-year degree, depending upon the rank tested for and individual department requirements.
History of the Red Rocks Fire Science Program
Since the early 1970s Red Rocks Community College has offered the Fire Science and a Fire Academy since 1993. Having received Program of Excellence grant funds in 1995 to expand the program, the Fire Science program now occupies the newly remodeled and enlarged Southwest Wing on the Red Rocks Lakewood Campus. The program is part of the Emergency and Public Service Department, encompassing emergency response programs, specifically Emergency Management and Planning, Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement Training, as well as the Criminal Justice program which prepares students for public service in the United States Criminal Justice system.
Our new facilities enable us to offer a wider range of courses in Fire Science, especially the Officer Development Certificate Program. In the next year.
Come and see what we’re doing!
Firefighter One Academy Information
Courses:
Please note that three classes actually comprise the RRCC Firefighter One Academy:
FST 100 - Essentials of Firefighting/Firefighter One Academy
FST 170 - Fire Academy Clinical (Ride Alongs)
ST 107 – Haz Mat Operations
FST 170 is a required co-requisite for FST 100.
FST 107 is a required co-requisite for FST 100.
Course Offerings:
Fall semester-15 weeks, two Academies offered: mid-August through mid-DecemberSpring semester-15 weeks, two Academies offered: mid-January through mid-May
Both semesters offer the following schedule:
Section 001 – Thursday (in the classroom) and Friday (on the drill ground)
Section 601 – Friday (in the classroom) and Saturday (on the drill ground)
Certificate:
Each student who successfully completes all three required courses will receive a Firefighter One Academy certificate of completion.
Firefighter One Academy Application
There are specific requirements that must be met in order to enroll into the Firefighter Academy. Please download the Academy Application Packet for further details.
DRCOG Testing
The Red Rocks Firefighter One Academy recommends that students take the Denver Regional Council of Governments test (DRCOG), which is offered twice a year. At least 13 metropolitan fire department hire from the DRCOG list.
Fire Science Technology Degree
The 13-credit Firefighter Academy is part of the Fire Science Associate of Applied Science degree. In addition, Fire Academy students can benefit from the Job Assessment (FST 110) course taught by fire service veterans. Job Assessment students gain insight on testing with departments, i.e., knowledge about testing procedures, how to take oral boards, and what departments look for in applicants.
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Contact
Emergency & Public Safety
Phone: 303.914.6333