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Fire Academy

About the Program 

The Fire Leadership Program at FPCHS offers students a unique opportunity to earn State of Florida Firefighter certification while still in high school. This program exceeds the expectations of a traditional fire academy and prepares students to confidently begin their careers as first responders.

The program includes classroom instruction, written examinations, rigorous physical conditioning, and hands-on skills training. Students receive comprehensive training in areas such as personal protective equipment, hose line management, fire behavior, forcible entry, ropes and knots, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul, and much more. To remain in the program, students must earn a minimum 70% each year.

Over the years, many graduates of the Fire Leadership Program have gone on to work with Flagler County Fire Rescue and surrounding fire departments, proudly serving the communities in which they were raised.

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Community Partnerships & Unique Experiences

This program is a community partnership between FlaglerSchools and Flagler County Fire Rescue.

Students will partake in a myriad of opportunities, including:

  • Assist the FCFR Community Paramedics as they teach CPR classes
  • Participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
  • Wildland firefighting field day with the Florida Forestry Service
  • Work with Flagler County Fire Rescue's emergency vehicles
  • Participate in live burn training at the FCFR fire training tower after graduation
  • Learn from many Firefighters, EMTs & Paramedics in our community

Career Opportunities

  • Students who complete the program, summer session, and exams earn Florida Firefighter I/II certification.
  • Students also earn national Wildland Firefighter certification.
  • These certifications prepare students for career fire department jobs in Florida.
  • EMT certification, required by most fire departments, can be earned during senior year through dual enrollment at Flagler Technical College.
  • Wildland Firefighter certification can be used nationwide.

Program Progression

  • Grade 9: Medical Skills
  • Grade 10: Firefighting 1
  • Grade 11 :Firefighting 2
  • Grade 12: Fire Law, Public Safety, and Security
    Optional: FTC dual enrollment for EMT program

Industry Certification Opportunities

  • After graduating high school and turning 18, students complete required live burn training at the Flagler County Fire Rescue training tower.
  • This training earns students their Firefighter I (Volunteer) certification.
  • Students may also take the Firefighter II exam, which is required for career fire department positions.
  • A hands-on skills exam and a written exam, administered by the Florida State Fire College, are required for full certification.