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 $29,000 to $35,000, 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!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE RED ROCKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIREFIGHTER ONE ACADEMY

FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY FEES

A special Fire Science fee of $345 is charged per student.  (Please check prior to registration for current fees.)

• State practical exam
• State written exam
• Equipment rental/cleaning (protective clothing PPE)
• Fire academy T-shirts
• Rental of the drill ground facility

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 9-credit Firefighter Academy (FST 100) 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.

For more information about the Fire Science degree, please contact one of our advisors:

Robert Brown
303-914-6338
robert.brown@rrcc.edu

Art Gomez
303-914-6405
art.gomez@rrcc.edu

PREREQUISITES TO ENROLL IN THE RED ROCKS FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY

Current CPR certification, Healthcare Provider or equivalent required.

ACCUPLACER assessment test required of all applicants.  College-level scores in reading and writing are required for entrance to the Fire Academy

High school diploma or equivalent
Graduation from high school is required for Level One certification as a Firefighter in Colorado

Colorado drivers license
You must be 18 years of age and in possession of a valid Colorado drivers license to be certified as a Level One Firefighter in Colorado.

Current CPR certification, either Health Provider or Professional Rescuer

FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY ENROLLMENT ORIENTATION AND PROCEDURES

1. Enrollment in the Red Rocks Fire Academy is by permission only. You must:
2. Attend an ENROLLMENT ORIENTATION.  Call 303-914-6115 for more information on the orientation.
3. Obtain an application to the Fire Academy at the orientation, then collect all necessary paperwork and documentation.
4. Call 303-914-6333 to schedule an interview for the Fire Academy.  Enrollment into the Academy is by permission only.  Please bring all required paperwork to your interview.  Students are accepted to the Academy based  upon completeness and quality of paperwork, and upon presentation at their interview. 

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