Six graduate from Citrus County Fire Rescue Firefighting Academy
Lecanto, Florida – On Monday, May 8, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) announced the graduation of six firefighters from the CCFR Training Academy in Lecanto.
What is unique for Class 2022-49, is that all six members of this graduating class are current Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees with CCFR. Three of the graduates have accepted positions within the department as firefighters and have begun their six-week orientation as newly-hired firefighters, and the other three graduates will continue working as EMS personnel, providing lifesaving emergency services throughout Citrus County.
“We are very proud of these graduates’ efforts and success, and are very fortunate to have additional dual-certified personnel within our department,” said CCFR Fire Chief Craig Stevens.
Training Academy students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They first practice under non-fire conditions and advance to controlled fire conditions as their skills improve.
To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the recruitment program and state testing, all students are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II by the State of Florida.
In addition to fires, these firefighters also trained to respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, such as the suspected presence of carbon monoxide, potential fentanyl overdoses, or gas leaks. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen in the water or who has locked him/herself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped inside a vehicle as the result of a crash. They test and maintain their equipment, which includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tool, and apparatus.
At the CCFR Training Academy, trainees learn all these skills and more, such as the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 491-hour program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
“We applaud these graduates on their pursuit of professional development,” said County Administrator Steve Howard. “I look forward to hearing about their future successes within our organization.”