Fire/Emergency Response Technology

The Fire/Emergency Response Technology Program at College of the Siskiyous is approved as an Accredited Regional Academy by the California State Board of Fire Services. The accredited status (accredited since 1993) allows COS to operate as an arm of the State Fire Training Office and to test and issue certificates locally. The program prepares students for careers in firefighting and provides in-service training to career and volunteer firefighters and includes certification as a Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Fire Officer. A number of specialized courses certified by the California State Fire Marshal's Office, the California Specialized Training Institute, the National Fire Academy, and/or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group are also offered. The core curriculum approved by the California Community College Chancellor's Office is also offered for the student wishing to receive an AS degree or to transfer to a four-year school.
Admission to the Firefighter I Academy is limited.  To secure a spot on the master list for either the fall or spring academy, and to receive a packet of information, call Debbie Dutcher at (530) 938-5578 or e-mail to dutcher@siskiyous.edu.

Program Requirements

Certificate: Firefighter I - FIRE 50* (674-Hour Program) 20 units
(Fire 50 consists of both Structure and Wildland Firefighting)

This is the basic Firefighter I Academy course. Students successfully completing the class will be eligible for California State Fire Marshall Certification as a Firefighter I and will be qualified for entry level firefighter positions in State, County, and municipal fire departments.

Students must contact Debbie Dutcher to receive a permit to register.  A permit will be issued when a student can show proof of an EMT I or First Responder certification and a conditional permit when they show proof of registration in EMT 15 or FTHM 90, First Responder Medical, or comparable course at another institution, and will complete the prerequisite prior to the start of the Firefighter 1 Academy.  Students will also be required to pass a physical agility test. A limited number of permits will be issued.  A priority wait list will be created for any excess.   For more information contact Debbie Dutcher at 530-938-5578 or dutcher@siskiyous.edu.

Students successfully completing the Firefighter I Academy will also receive certification in the following areas:

• Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational (CSTI)
• Vehicle Extrication (FSTEP)
• Confined Space Rescue Awareness (FSTEP)
• I-200 - Incident Command (NWCG)
• Fire Control 1 - Basic Fire Chemistry(FSTEP)
• Fire Control 2 - Basic Operations - Structural(FSTEP)
• Fire Control 3 - Structural Fire Fighting (FSTEP)
• Fire Control 6 - Wildland Fire Fighting Essentials (FSTEP)
• Flashover Recognition and Survival (COS)
• Awareness: Rope and Water Rescue (Rescue 3)
• CDF 67 Hour Wildland Fire Fighting (CDF)
• S-130 - Basic Wildland (NWCG)
• S-190 - Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG
• S-133 - Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (NWCG)
• S-212 - Chainsaw Operation (NWCG)
• S-215 - Wildland Firefighting in the Urban Interface (NWCG)
• FI-110 - Wildland Fire Observations and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders (NWCG)
• L-180 - Human Factors on the Fireline(NWCG)

• EMS 1 - EMT-I (current certificate) or EMS 65 - First Responder Medical
• FIRE 50 Firefighter I Academy
• One year experience with a Volunteer Fire Department (can be obtained by taking two semesters (8 units) of FIRE 49 Work Experience) or six months paid experience.

Certificate: Firefighter II - FIRE 81 (54-Hour Program) 3 units

Students successfully completing this course will be eligible for California State Fire Marshal Certification as a Firefighter II. The course includes basic manipulative skills and increasingly difficult tasks that must be demonstrated to state standards to qualify for certification. In addition, various parts of the course include technical classroom activities. Candidates wishing to enter the Firefighter II Academy must have successfully completed an accredited (CSFM) Firefighter I Academy.  Prerequisite:  Firefighter I Certificate or completion of FIRE 50. 

Certificate: Fire Officer (16.5 units)

Students successfully completing the following course work and Firefighter II certificate will be eligible for California State Fire Marshal Certification as a Fire Officer:


Certificate: Volunteer Firefighter (7.5 units)

This program is designed specifically for the volunteer firefighter.  Training is accomplished at the local fire station on and with the local fire apparatus and equipment.  A firefighter completing this training is awarded a Certificate of Achievement and may apply for State Certification as a Firefighter I. Students must complete all course work with a "B" grade or better.

Certificate:  Wildland Firefighter Basic Training (6 units) 

The courses in this certificate will prepare students for entry-level seasonal employment with CDF and USFS.  Students will receive a total of 118 hours of instruction including First Responder Medical, Hazmat, and Basic Firefighting.

Associate of Science Degree Fire/Emergency Response Technology
(Two Year Program)

This program is designed to provide the pre-employment skills required for the career firefighter.  This program also satisfies the lower division requirements of several four-year institutions offering baccalaureate degrees in Fire Protection Administration and Technology.  See your advisor for transfer requirements. Listed below is the minimum course work required for a major in Fire/Emergency Response Technology for students seeking an A.S. Degree.  Most fire service agencies require this same course work for entry level testing.  An A.S. Degree in Fire/Emergency Response Technology is required by most fire service agencies to advance beyond fire officer.

Successful completion of the above courses (grade "C" or better) and required general education courses will earn an A.S. (Fire/Emergency Response Technology) degree.

For an Associate Degree Major, students must also complete general education requirements. Please refer to the Associate Degree general education requirements in the Schedule of Classes for a list of acceptable courses. Make an appointment with a COS counselor for assistance in completing the general education requirements.

Completion of math, writing and reading assessments are required for enrollment in any certificate or AA/AS degree program. Please contact Counseling Services for more information: (530) 938-5353. Students must receive a "C" grade or better in all major or certificate coursework.

Contact

Program Coordinator/Instructor
Tony Osa
(530) 938-5261
osa@siskiyous.edu

Instructor
Jim Davidge
(530) 938-5281
davidge@siskiyous.edu

Program Contact
Debbie Dutcher
(530) 938-5578
dutcher@siskiyous.edu

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