Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) is proud to announce the graduation of six firefighters from the CCFR Training Academy.

Citrus County Fire Rescue EMS Employs Graduate Firefighting Academy

What is unique for Class 2022-49 is that all six members of this graduating class are current Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees with CCFR. Three of the graduates have accepted positions in the department as firefighters and have begun their six-week new hire orientation; the other three will remain as EMS personnel, providing lifesaving emergency services to the citizens of Citrus County.

“We are very proud of these graduates’ efforts and success and are very fortunate to have additional dual certified personnel within our department”, said Fire Chief Craig Stevens.

Training Academy students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They first practice under non-fire conditions and advance to controlled fire conditions as their skills improve. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack.

Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the recruitment program and state testing, all students are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II by the State of Florida.

Today’s firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies besides fires. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen in the water or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes.

They test and maintain their equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA),
hydrants, hoses, power tool, and apparatus.

At CCFR’s Training Academy, trainees learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 491-hour program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

“We applaud these graduates on their pursuit of professional development,” said County Administrator Steve Howard. “I look forward to hearing about their future successes within our organization.”