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Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage

Fire Fighting

Fire Fighting

  • New in 2026-2027: Program‑specific course content will be weighted as Honors‑level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.

    Prerequisites: Firefighting Program

    • Must be a Junior​​​​​​​ or Senior

  • The Firefighting program prepares students for continued education and entry‑level training in the fire service through a combination of classroom instruction and applied training experiences. Coursework focuses on fire service fundamentals, safety procedures, emergency response concepts, and professional standards used in firefighting environments. Students should expect a structured and demanding course that requires focus, preparation, and consistency.

  • Firefighting is a physically demanding profession, and this course reflects those expectations. Students participate in hands‑on training activities designed to develop strength, endurance, teamwork, and operational readiness. Students must be prepared for physically challenging tasks performed in controlled training environments and to follow directions precisely to maintain safety.

  • Firefighting involves inherent risks, even during training. Students are expected to follow all safety protocols, procedures, and instructor directions at all times. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and disciplined behavior are essential to mitigate risk and ensure safe participation in all instructional activities.

  • Students are expected to participate in SkillsUSA, a national career and technical student organization that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and technical skill development within the skilled trades.

    In addition to earning course credit, students will work toward industry‑recognized credentials, including:

    These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation-not just a grade.

  • This program operates with expectations aligned to professional firefighting and emergency‑services environments. Students are expected to:

    • Wear required work attire daily
    • Wear required training attire and safety equipment as directed
    • Display a visible ID badge at all times
    • Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication

    Firefighting requires trust, accountability, and readiness under pressure. Students are expected to meet these standards daily, as individual actions directly affect safety, team effectiveness, and program outcomes.

    Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below

    A diagram titled "Firefighting Program Work Attire" showing two people modeling different types of firefighting uniform attire.

Program Description

1 year – 3 HS credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage

This program is designed to be completed in one year during the 11th or 12th grade.

Fire Fighting I - 2 credits (Honors): Firefighting requires discipline and attention to academic and professional standards to successfully fight live fires, address hazardous-materials (HAZMAT) incidents, and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Students will become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and technologies used by fire departments. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically and meets the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001-2013, leading to the opportunity to obtain a Firefighter I certification.

Fire Fighting II - 1 credit ( Honors): This course builds on the professional knowledge and skills gained in Firefighting I. Students respond to situations caused by simulated hazardous materials (HAZMAT) situations, accidents, and natural disasters by managing resources such as medevac helicopters, emergency medical personnel, technical rescue teams, and community-based organizations. Students will become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and technologies used by current fire departments. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically and meets the standards of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), leading to the opportunity to obtain Firefighter II certification.

Instructor

  • T. Burroughs
  • Instruction for the course is currently provided in partnership with Henrico County Fire.