Fire Academy
Fire Academy Courses
The Fire Academy curriculum is based on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Fire Suppression Curriculum Manual, which includes classroom instruction and activities, firefighter skills training, and physical training. The Fire Academy consists of 25 credit hours and 640 contact hours, included in the following eight courses:
- FIRS 1401, Firefighter Certification I
- FIRS 1407, Firefighter Certification II
- FIRS 1313, Firefighter Certification III
- FIRS 1319, Firefighter Certification IV
- FIRS 1323, Firefighter Certification V
- FIRS 1329, Firefighter Certification VI
- FIRS 1433, Firefighter Certification VII
- FIRS 1103, Firefighter Agility & Fitness Preparation
Course Completion, Basic Fire Suppression Certification
Cadets that successfully complete the Fire Academy will receive a TCFP Course Completion and will be eligible to take the TCFP’s Designated Skills Test. After successfully completing the Skills Test, cadets are edible to take the Basic Fire Suppression certification examination. Cadets who successfully complete the certification examination and a recognized emergency medical course are eligible to apply for Basic Fire Suppression certification. See the TCFP Standards Manual, Chapter 423.1(c), Minimum Standards for Structure Fire Protection Personnel for details.
Note: Basic Fire Suppression certification is required by the State of Texas in order to be a career firefighter, i.e. paid firefighter.
Day Fire Academy
The Day Fire Academy is a classroom based course with all curriculum and skills being completed during class. However, the curriculum is web enhanced with course materials available online through the Blackboard Learning System. Cadets are required to complete assignments and chapter tests online.
The Day Fire Academy is 16 weeks with classes meeting Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A Day Fire Academy is offered in the fall and spring semesters that coincides with COM’s regular 16 week credit schedule.
Night Fire Academy
The Night Fire Academy is a two semester program that allows cadets to work at their regular job while completing the Academy. The Night Fire Academy is offered in COM’s regular fall and spring 16 week credit schedule with classes meeting Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Night Fire Academy is more dependent on the web enhanced curriculum that requires cadets to study course materials and complete assignments and chapter tests online. Evening classes consists of reviewing the curriculum and preparing for skills training, which will be completed primarily on Saturdays. Limited skills training will also be conducted during the evening classes as conditions permit.
Night Fire Academy, Fall Semester
The 16 week fall session of the Night Fire Academy consists of 14 credit hours and 320 contact hours, which includes in the following courses:
- FIRS 1401, Firefighter Certification I
- FIRS 1407, Firefighter Certification II
- FIRS 1313, Firefighter Certification III
- FIRS 1319, Firefighter Certification IV
Night Fire Academy, Spring Semester
The 16 week spring session consists of 11 credit hours and 320 contact hours, which includes the following courses:
- FIRS 1323, Firefighter Certification V
- FIRS 1329, Firefighter Certification VI
- FIRS 1433, Firefighter Certification VII
- FIRS 1103, Firefighter Agility & Fitness Preparation
Certificate of Completion, Basic Fire Suppression Certification
Cadets that successfully complete both the fall and spring sessions of the Night Fire Academy will receive a TCFP Course Completion and are eligible for the TCFP Designated Skills Test. After successfully completing the Skills Test, cadets are eligible to take the Basic Fire Suppression Certification Examination. Cadets who successfully complete the certification exam and a recognized emergency medical course are eligible to apply for Basic Fire Suppression Certification. See the TCFP Standards Manual, Chapter 423.1(c), Minimum Standards for Structure Fire Protection Personnel for details.
Note: In order to receive a TCFP Course Completion, Night Academy cadets must successfully complete both semesters consecutively. That is, prospective cadets that have not completed the fall semester will not to eligible to enroll in the spring semester.
Criminal Convictions and Eligibility for Certification
Eligibility for an occupational license may be impacted by one’s criminal history. Students with a criminal history should confer with faculty or the department chairperson. Students have a right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
Fire Technology students are advised the reference the TCFP Standards Manual, Chapter 403, Criminal Convictions and Eligibility for Certification regarding criminal matters.
Fire Academy Schedules
Fall Semester
| Academy | Duration | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Fire Academy | 16 weeks | MTWTHF | 0800–1700 |
| Night Fire Academy (First Session) |
16 weeks | TWTH SA |
1800–2200 0800–1700 |
Spring Semester
| Academy | Duration | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Fire Academy | 16 weeks | MTWTHF | 0800–1700 |
| Night Fire Academy (Second Session) |
16 weeks | TWTH SA |
1800–2200 0800–1700 |
Specific dates for upcoming Academies are listed in the Credit Course Schedule, on the Fire Technology web site in the Announcements section, and on the Fire Technology Facebook page
Credit by Petition
Cadets that successfully completed the COM Fire Academy as a Continuing Education program, have obtained Basic Fire Suppression certification, and completed six additional credit hours at COM are eligible to file a Petition for Credit for 25 credit hours towards the Fire Technology, AAS degree. Contact the Director of Fire Technology to initiate the petition.
Cadets that have successfully completed a non-COM Fire Academy, have obtained Basic Fire Suppression certification, and completed six additional credit hours at COM may petition for 25 credit hours towards the Fire Technology AAS degree after passing a competency examination based on the Fire Academy Final Examination. Contact the Director of Fire Technology to initiate the process.
Current Cost
Tuition and fees are based on COM’s credit Tuition and Fee Schedule. The costs for bunker gear rental, boots, hood, and gloves, uniforms, and text books are provided by private vendors and are subject to change without notice.
Day Fire Academy, 25 Credit Hours
| Item | In District | Out of District |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $1345 | $2345 |
| Bunker Gear Rental | $300 | $300 |
| Books Purchase | $160 | $160 |
| Uniform Package | $100 | $100 |
| Total | $1905 | $2905 |
Night Fire Academy, Fall Semester, 14 Credit Hours
| Item | In District | Out of District |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $840 | $1400 |
| Books Purchase | $160 | $160 |
| Uniform Package | $100 | $100 |
| Total | $1100 | $1660 |
Night Fire Academy, Spring Semester, 11 Credit Hours
| Item | In District | Out of District |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $700 | $1140 |
| Bunker Gear Rental | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $1000 | $1440 |
Textbooks
Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department Operations 6th Edition (2013), Fire Protection Publications, ISBN: 978-013-314080-4
Hazardous Materials for First Responders 5th Edition (2017), International Fire Service Training Association. Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, ISBN: 978-0-87939-613-8
Basic Fire Suppression Skills Manual (January 1, 2014), Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Note: Access to the Skills Manual will be provided to cadets.
Uniform Package
The uniform package listed above includes:
- 2 red collared sport shirts
- 2 red T-shirts
- 2 red quick dry athletic shirts
- 1 blue pair athletic shorts
- 1 blue pair athletic sweat pants
- 1 red hooded pull over sweat shirt
In addition, cadets must provide the following:
- Dark blue work pants (e.g. Dickies or similar)
- Black belt
- Black work shoes or boots
- Clear safety goggles
- Mechanics gloves, extrication gloves, or leather palmed work gloves
- Materials for Academy Notebook
Financial Aid
The Fire Academy is eligible for financial aid and veteran’s benefits for those who qualify.Information is available at www.com.edu/financial-aid and for veteran’s benefits at www.com.edu/veterans.
The COM Foundation does have scholarships available to Fire Academy cadets at www.com.edu/giving/com-foundation/apply-for-a-scholarship.html. The following scholarships are available at this address, https://collegeofthemainland.academicworks.com/:
- Jordan Ellis Fire Academy Scholarship
- Lyondell Basell Fire Protection Technology Scholarship
- William M. Bethune Memorial Scholarships
Note: Applications for financial aid grants and scholarships must be filed by specific due dates, which are listed on the applicable web sites. Prospective Cadets are advised to complete these applications as early as possible.
Application and Registration Procedures
In order to enroll in the Fire Academy, prospective cadets must an application to become a COM student, complete a Fire Academy application, and obtain a medical physical. Registration instructions and the application and physical forms may be downloaded from the following links.