Wilson Community College is committed to providing fire/rescue training to meet the needs of the community and the emergency responders. We are committed to serving those that serve and protect the community. As a recognized NC Fire Rescue Commission Delivery Agency, Wilson Community College is prepared to bring training resources, classes, and certification testing to the community’s emergency responders.
Wilson Community College initiated the Reginal Fire Rescue Training Academy in 1998. The academy has an excellent history of preparing top quality firefighters. Approximately 96% of the firefighters graduating from the Cadet program have been successful in obtaining employment from fire departments all across North Carolina and other States that are members of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
The academy is about more than just certifications. Its purpose is to prepare the participant for the job. Its mission is to instill discipline, character, professionalism, teamwork, integrity, and credibility as well as the physical ability, knowledge, and skills to perform the job in a professional and safe manner.
The Wilson Fire/Rescue Academy will accept a maximum of twenty-five (25) Cadets on a first-come basis. We encourage you to act quickly, as available seats may be filled.
Wilson Community College offers two fire training academies:
Day Academy
The traditional Daytime Academy is a more paramilitary discipline with uniform dress code requirements. The daytime academy schedule meets Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm. Participants who successfully complete the daytime academy will finish with the NC Fire Rescue Commission Firefighter, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC), and Technical Rescuer certifications. Participants are required to have an Academy Uniform, Academy Physical Fitness Uniform, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved Turn-Out Gear and Self-contained Breathing Apparatus.
Night Academy
The Night Academy is a full firefighter certification program that enables participants to attend classes at night and on weekends. This night schedule typically meets 2-3 nights per week with some Saturday/Sunday classes to supplement. Participants who successfully complete the night academy will finish with the NC Fire Rescue Commission Firefighter and Rapid Intervention Crew certifications. Participants are required to have National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved Turn-Out Gear and Self-contained Breathing Apparatus.
Costs
- The registration fees for the night academy are $250.
- The registration fees for the daytime academy are $500.
Note:
- Registration fees will be waived if candidates are affiliated or employed with a fire or rescue department.
- Non-affiliated candidates can expect additional costs for equipment rental.
Admissions
Affiliated cadets are cadets that are a member of a volunteer fire department, employed full or part-time with a fire department, or otherwise affiliated with a fire/rescue agency to be eligible for enrollment in the academy. A letter of recommendation or confirmation of employment must be on file at the Academy prior to admission. If the employer or affiliated agency withdraws its support, the cadet will be immediately subject to program admission requirements as a non-affiliated cadet or risk program dismissal. The Academy will give priority admission to candidates holding full-time employment with fire/rescue agencies.
Non-affiliated cadets are cadets that are not a member of a volunteer fire department, employed full or part-time with a fire department, or otherwise affiliated with a fire/rescue agency. Non-affiliated cadets are not considered fee waived and will be required to acquire the necessary personal protective equipment to safely participate in the program. Non-affiliated cadets are encouraged to contact the program director for specific information as it relates to personal protective equipment and program registration fees.
All cadets must be a minimum 18 years of age, high school (or equivalent) graduate and have a valid license to operate a vehicle in the state of North Carolina.
An optional Emergency Medical Technician Certification class is also available to all cadets. The program operates in strict accordance with regulations mandated by the North Carolina Community College System and the North Carolina Fire/Rescue Commission.
General Information
Wilson Community College is prepared to deliver training for both certification and non-certification programs. These include (but are not limited to):
- NC Firefighter Certification
- NC Technical Rescuer
- Confined Space Response
- Trench Rescue Response
- Water Rescue Response
- Fire Officer Certification
- Chief 101
- Fire Instructor
- Fire Inspector
- NC Driver Operator
- NC Driver Operator Aerial Apparatus
- Emergency Vehicle Driver
- Traffic Incident Management (TIMS)
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Fire Life Safety Educator
- Flashover Simulator
- VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver
- VFIS UTV/ATV Safety Program
- VFIS Emergency Responder Safety
- VFIS Emergency Services Trailer Operations
Lodging
Limited lodging is available in partnership with local fire department agencies.
Director of Fire Training Programs
Department: Human Services & Public Safety
Phone: (252) 246-1372
Email: bsmith@wilsoncc.edu
Office: B105b
Dean of Human Services & Public Safety
Department: Human Services & Public Safety Vice President for Academic Affairs
Phone: (252) 246-1290
Email: whill@wilsoncc.edu
Office: B106