Fire/Rescue Academy - Daytime

Program Overview

The Johnston Community College (JCC) 13th Daytime Fire/Rescue Academy begins on January 5, 2026. This 20 week academy gives you the hands-on training and certifications you need to start a career in the fire service. You will learn essential firefighting skills, safety practices, and rescue techniques that prepare you for real emergencies. 

What You'll Learn

You will complete the Academy in two structured training blocks that cover all required state certifications.

Block 1

You will learn the core skills needed for entry-level firefighters, including:

• Firefighter certification training - You will learn how to safely enter burning buildings, use firefighting tools and equipment, handle fire hoses, and follow standard Fireground procedures. This training prepares you for the North Carolina State Firefighter Certification.
• Incident Command System procedures - You will learn how emergency scenes are organized and who makes decisions. You will practice working within an incident command structure so you can respond effectively during fires, rescues, and large emergencies.
• Traffic Incident Management - You will learn how to safely manage roadway incidents, protect crash scenes, direct traffic, and reduce risks to first responders and the public.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) operations - You will learn how to recognize, identify, and respond to hazardous materials incidents. This includes containment, safety zones, decontamination, and protective equipment.

Block 2

You will build advanced rescue skills through specialty training, including:

• North Carolina Technical Rescuer certification
  You will learn technical rescue skills, including rope rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse awareness, and other advanced emergency response techniques.
• Vehicle Rescue techniques and procedures
  You will learn how to safely access, stabilize, and remove victims from vehicles after crashes. This training includes the use of rescue tools such as hydraulic cutters, spreaders, and cribbing.

Certification

After successful completion of these North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) courses, the candidate will receive the Firefighter Fire and Rescue Commission IFSAC Certification.

Career Opportunities

Your certification will prepare you for several high-demand careers in the fire and emergency services field, including:

• Firefighter - You can work for municipal, county, volunteer, or combination fire departments to respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous situations.

• Technical Rescuer - You can work on specialized rescue teams that handle rope rescues, confined space rescues, structural collapse, and other technical emergencies.

• Hazardous Materials Responder - You can support or join HazMat teams that respond to chemical spills, gas leaks, and hazardous materials incidents.

• Fire Department Driver/Operator - With additional training and experience, you can operate fire engines, ladder trucks, and rescue units during emergency responses.

• Fire Inspector - With further education, you can work in fire prevention by inspecting buildings, checking fire codes, and educating the public on fire safety.

• Emergency Response Technician - You can support emergency operations in public safety agencies, industrial facilities, transportation centers, and other environments where incident response is required.

Fire service careers offer strong job security, teamwork, and opportunities for advancement at local, county, state, and federal levels.

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