Department Spotlight | AC Regional Fire Academy
Since 1994, Amarillo College Regional Fire Academy (ACRFA) has trained young men and women who want to become paid firefighters in Texas. Texas is an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) state, which is an accreditation that allows graduates to take their certification to most U.S. states and many countries around the world.
The current academy is not only representative of the Amarillo Fire Department but also other fire departments in the Panhandle. This gives cadets a broader perspective on fire service and allows them to make an educated choice about where they want to work. While many choose to stay in the Panhandle region, the remainder spread their wings and choose departments across the state.
The college has invested heavily in new equipment providing cadets the opportunity to train on the same or better equipment than what local fire departments have at their disposal. Our new multi-million-dollar training facility, opening in the Fall 2024 semester, will allow the academy to be a stand-alone facility providing the training necessary to meet and exceed the Texas Commission on Fire Protection standards. The new First Responders Academy will house all aspects of public safety, including the police, fire, and EMS academies.
This increase in equipment, instructors, and curriculum has allowed the academy to raise its state testing first-time passing average to levels above the state average. The ACRFA consistently has passing rates higher than the state average on all four sections of the state exam. This means cadets who want a firefighting career are successful here at ACRFA.
Prospective cadets should request an application/information packet that will explain the steps. A physical ability exam and college entrance testing are needed to pass the first step. The next step is to fill out the registration packet. Once the required steps are completed, students can enroll and begin the academy.
Once in the academy, students will do everything a firefighter does, only in controlled scenarios. This includes rappelling, raising and climbing ladders, fighting fires, and cutting up cars. The academy is both academically and physically challenging. Most of the time, it is well beyond what people expect.
We offer a traditional day and hybrid academy each fall and spring semester and can accept up to 24 cadets in each academy. The traditional academy is the best way to prepare for a career in firefighting. The cadet is exposed daily to the rigors of training, preparation, and life in a fire station. The hybrid program is designed for older cadets who have wanted to enter the career field of firefighting but couldn't attend a traditional firefighting academy for whatever reason. The hybrid option offers the academic portion of the academy online, with weekend skills training spread throughout the semester. The students gain basic knowledge but do not have exposure to instructors and experiences that will help them adjust to their new firefighter roles.
Once a cadet graduates from the academy, they must complete emergency medical technician (EMT) school if they have not already done so. This is a requirement in Texas, but a cadet can choose the order in which they complete the certifications. Most fire departments want a minimum of an EMT, while other areas of Texas require completion of paramedic school. Amarillo College offers EMT training during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. This medical training will also be located in AC's new facility.
The new First Responders Academy facility will be where cadets come to start their dream of becoming first responders. Regardless of their chosen field, jobs await them when they graduate. We regularly see fire departments recruiting from our academies and hiring cadets even before they complete their training.
We partner with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to help cadets find a way to access training by removing the barrier of cost. If a cadet qualifies with the TWC, they may be eligible to have much of their tuition, fees, and other expenses funded. This program also qualifies for regular financial aid as a college credit course.
For more information, contact Steve Mallye at ssmalley@actx.edu or call 806.335.4306 to request an application/information packet to get started. Please encourage interested students to contact us and begin this life-changing journey.
Written by Stephen S. Malley, Fire Academy Coordinator, Chief Training Officer
