WINTER HAVEN, FL — Polk County Fire Rescue has launched its first in-house Minimum Fire Standards Academy, with the inaugural class which began Monday, July 13, at the department’s new Fire Rescue Training Center.
The new academy is designed to streamline the education and training of future firefighters while allowing PCFR instructors to teach recruits using the department’s own standard operating procedures. Officials say the program is another step toward expanding in-house training opportunities for new personnel.
Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said the academy marks an important milestone for the department.
“Being able to teach your own fire standards is so crucial to the growth of a large department like ours,” Smith said. “We brought EMT training in house last year and we’re continuing to bring training for other disciplines in house. Advancements like these are really what helps us reach our goal of becoming a destination department.”
The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare recruits for careers in the fire service. The program runs for 14 weeks, with students attending classes five days a week at the new training center.
Polk County officials say the academy is expected to strengthen firefighter training while supporting the continued growth of Polk County Fire Rescue.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
