Fire Programs
These courses teach basic and advanced firefighting skills needed to serve as a member or leader of a fire department.
Our more than 100 state-of-the-art initial and continuing education courses equip fire fighters with the crucial skills they need. PSI partners with the Allegheny County Fire Academy, the City of Pittsburgh Fire Academy and several local fire departments in training and certification programs throughout the state. Courses are accredited by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy.
Training & Education Partnership (TEP)
The Community College of Allegheny County Public Safety Institute offers a Training
and Education Partnership pay-as-you-go program for emergency services agencies in
western Pennsylvania. The program sets an annual maximum training cost for qualifying
members. Fees are program-based for the required minimum number of students per course.
The courses listed below are a sample of programs. To learn more, click here.
FireVest
There are full scholarships for an associate degree or certificate program at CCAC, as well as training at the Allegheny County Fire Academy. To learn more, click here.
Essentials of Firefighting
The entry-level fire training curriculum includes four levels, and each level must be completed before moving to the next.
The levels are:
- 1st Level: Introduction to the Fire Service - ELIS
- 2nd Level: Fire Ground Support - ELFG
- 3rd Level: Exterior Firefighter - ELEF
- 4th Level: Interior Firefighter - ELIF
Truck Company Operations I & II
In these programs, you will be introduced to the basic duties of a truck company, including hand and power tool operation; search and rescue; and ventilation through issues of vehicle placement, forcible entry, search and rescue, aerial operations, building construction, fire travel and ventilation.
RegisterEngine Company Operations
This course will provide instruction in the duties and responsibilities of an engine company. Topics include use of attack and back-up lines, search and rescue, and water supply.
RegisterPump Operations I & II
These courses teach firefighters how to operate fire pumps, from basic construction and operation to advanced techniques.
Incident Command
This course teaches command skills needed to work effectively within a department’s incident command system (ICS). The course includes guidelines and scenario practice applying ICS. Resource information for setting up a departmental ICS is also provided.
RegisterManaging Company Tactical Operations
Elevators pose a daily hazard to an emergency responder, and their improper use has resulted in rescuer fatalities. While the stuck elevator may seem like a minor call, the danger it poses is real. This course will introduce you to safe and effective procedures for elevator emergencies.
Register
FireVEST
Because fire companies are essential to ensuring safe and well-protected communities, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, the Allegheny County Fire Academy and CCAC are working together to offer the Allegheny County Fire Volunteer Education, Service & Training (FireVEST) scholarship program, which provides full scholarships for an associate degree or certificate program at CCAC, as well as training at the Allegheny County Fire Academy.
Of the 200 scholarships offered per year, 150 are for new recruits in exchange for a commitment of five years of service to a volunteer fire department in Allegheny County, while 50 scholarships will be awarded to existing volunteers in exchange for a commitment of five additional years of service.