South-Western Fire Academy

Fire Science Academy

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The South-Western Fire Academy is a SWCSD Senior Only program. Students can earn professional certification and college credit as a firefighter through Columbus State Community College (CSCC). The partnership between SWCSD, CSCC and the four township fire departments: Franklin, Jackson, Pleasant, and Prairie Townships provides a unique educational opportunity. Technical training labs will be taught at the township fire departments while the classroom instruction will be held at the CSCC Bolton Field site. Selection is competitive and is open to all juniors in SWCSD. 

The SWFA is designed to give new firefighters basic practical and cognitive training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fire ground using an intense hands-on approach to firefighting which promotes both skill competency and an understanding of the fire ground.  The Academy meets the training and education standards for Firefighter I & II as identified in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications and provides the minimum level of training recommended to function as a career firefighter in the State of Ohio.

​Successful completion is required to be eligible to sit for the state certification examination at the Firefighter II level. Upon successful completion of the Academy and certification as a Firefighter II, the candidate will receive up to five additional certifications, and will be awarded 12 credit hours (20%) toward the Fire Professional Associate of Applied Science degree at Columbus State Community College.

Career Opportunities

  • ​Firefighter
  • Rescue Technician
  • Driver Engineer
  • Fire Lieutenant
  • Fire Captain
  • Battalion Chief
  • Assistant Chief
  • Fire Chief
  • Fire Marshal/Inspector
  • Fire Investigator

Career Skills Developed

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Fire Department Organization
  • Saftey, Fire Alarm, Fire Behavior, Fire Control, Extinguishment 
  • Ropes, Ladders, Hose Streams, Fire Rescue

Program Highlights

  • Students will learn on-site through partnerships with Franklin, Jackson, Pleasant, and Prairie Township Fire Departments.
  • Students will earn Firefighter I and Firefighter II credentials.
  • Potential to earn 12 college credits through Columbus State Community College upon successful completion of the program. ​​

Details and Dates

​Details
  • Senior Only Program
  • A valid driver's license will also be required to participate in Fire Truck emergency vehicle training.
  • Student responsible for transportation to both firehouse lab locations and classroom location. 
  • Student cost: $400.00 for boots, safety gear and uniforms, a savings of $2800!​
  • 20 student class size
Dates​
  • The Application Window is now OPEN!
  • Students are encouraged to thoroughly read through the SWCSDCAREERTECH.COM site for their specific program requirements.
  • Priority Application deadline:  February 18, 2022
  • Invitation letters will be sent for an Information Night
    • Information Night: April 6, 2022, at 6:30 at SWCA            
  • NOTE: All applicants must show proof of a valid Ohio driver's license to be able to sit for the Firefighter I and Firefighter II state credential exam.
  • TBD: Orientation and gear fitting (mandatory)
  • ​August 24, 2022, First Day of Class

​Contact Amy Schakat, 614-801-3005, [email protected] to learn more about the South-Western Fire Academy (SWFA) and how to earn professional certification and college credit as a firefighter.