New Fire Academy Partners Edison State and North Naples Fire Department
Dec 3, 2008
Naples, Florida -- Beginning this January, Edison State College will partner with North Naples Fire and Rescue Department to offer a state of the art Fire Academy certificate program.
The much needed program already has a waiting list for its inaugural class. There are 36 students enrolled for the Spring and another 100 are interested said Craig Auberbach, Coordinator of Emergency Programs at Edison State.
“Edison State will be able to provide an entire career path for each firefighter,†said Aberbach. “Each student can walk in the door with no certification and become a highly employable, certified firefighter, continue to become an EMT and paramedic.â€
Student will have the opportunity to earn an associates degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services Technology. They can than transition into the bachelor’s of Public Safety seamlessly. All of the prerequisites will be complete.
Aberbach, who recently retired as Cape Coral Fire Division Chief, says there is a critical need to train new firefighters immediately.
“There is a lot of turnover in departments,†Aberbach said. “Departments all over Southwest Florida are losing a lot at the top right now because of buyouts. They need new, highly trained crews to fill those spots.â€
The 510-hour class schedule is designed for working people. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm. On Saturdays classes will run from 7am to 6pm from January to July. A second class of students will begin in the second half of 2009.
The essential services training facility is located at the North Naples Fire Department. For more information visit: www.edison.edu/academics/fireacademy.
Last Updated: December 3, 2008
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