2025 Schuylkill County Training Academy Courses
All Students must pre-register for courses. No walk-ins accepted. If the minimum number of students has not been met 10 days before the start date, students will receive email notification of cancellation of the course.
There is no fee for students from member companies of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
For Non-member or Out-of-County students there is a fee. Students must bring a check made payable Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Click here for a calendar view of courses
Officer Development Program 2/1/25
Officer Development training for current line officers. Ask your chief for details.
Electric Vehicle Safety for Emergency Responders 2/11/25 at Friendship Fire Co
Electric Vehicle Safety for Emergency Responders
FSC: 0120 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 6.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 14 and up
Description: This program contains information on hybrid and electric vehicle safety and technology upgrades, which may pose concerns with extrication efforts. This course covers basic vehicle safety and technology changes at an emergency response level. Operating systems, construction and safety features are discussed throughout the program. Safety features such as: air bag systems, seat belt pretention systems, fuel system and charging stations, safe work zones, low, medium, and high voltage systems, vehicle construction materials, hybrid vehicles, and passenger compartment upgrades. Changes to size-up, extrication techniques, and the use of a Field Operations Guide will also be presented in this program.
Out of County Cost: $36, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Guy Arndt
Dates & Times: Tuesday 2/11/25 18:30-21:30 & Tuesday 2/18/25 18:30-21:30
Location: Friendship Fire Co. #1 147 N 7th St Frackville, PA 17931
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 2/16/25 at Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co.
Hazardous Materials Operations Annual Refresher (HMOR)
FSC: 0737 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 2.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Hazardous Materials Operations
Description: This course will allow a hazardous material emergency responder at the First Responder Operations Level to receive refresher training as required annually by federal regulation.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Jesse Zimmerman
Dates & Times: Sunday 2/16/25 0900-1500
Location: Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co. 121 High St. Coaldale, PA 18218
Incident Safety Officer 2/17/25 at Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Co Sheppton
Incident Safety Officer (ISO)
FSC: 0108 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 16.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Hazardous Materials Operations, and NIMS ICS for the Fire
Service, or NIMS ICS for Emergency Medical Service, or Equivalent
Description: This course focuses on the duties of the person who finds him/herself in the role of the responding safety officer at the scene of an incident. It is an incident-specific, scene-oriented course designed to teach what a safety officer on the scene needs to know and be able to do, using scenario to convey instructional points. Students should be experienced company officers, familiar with safety issues, the Incident Command System, hazardous materials management, and applicable NFPA standards and federal regulations.
Out of County Cost: $54, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Brian Hollenbush
Dates & Times: Monday 2/17/25 18:00-22:00, Tuesday 2/18/25 18:00-22:00, & Saturday 2/22/25 08:00-16:00
Location: Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Co 900 Center St Sheppton, PA 18248
Mod 1: Introduction to Fire Service 2/18/25 at SCTA
Introduction to the Fire Service (ELIS)
FSC: 2459 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 10.0hrs / Lab: 6.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 14 and up
Description: This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to basic information including an overview of the fire service, fire service organization, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, tools and emergency lighting, and backing apparatus. This is the first of five levels (courses) in the curriculum.
Out of County Cost: $50, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 2/18 1800-2200, 2/20 1800-2200, & 2/23 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 2/22/25 at Friendship Hose Orwigsburg
Hazardous Materials Operations Annual Refresher (HMOR)
FSC: 1737 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 2.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Hazardous Materials Operations
Description: This course will allow a hazardous material emergency responder at the First Responder Operations Level to receive refresher training as required annually by federal regulation.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: John Matz
Dates & Times: Saturday 2/22/2025 0800-1400
Location: Friendship Hose Co. 121 N Liberty St. Orwigsburg, PA 17961
Hazmat Awareness 2/25/25 at SCTA
Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA)
FSC: 0114 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 6.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 14 and up
Description: This course will provide instruction in the basic skills of identifying hazardous material problems in a community. The student will learn to recognize the presence of hazardous materials and identify hazardous materials, as well as learn the associated hazard characteristics.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Ron Radel
Dates & Times: 2/25 1800-2100 & 2/27 1800-2100
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 3/1/25 at North End Pine Grove
Hazardous Materials Operations Annual Refresher (HMOR)
FSC: 1737 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 2.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Hazardous Materials Operations
Description: This course will allow a hazardous material emergency responder at the First Responder Operations Level to receive refresher training as required annually by federal regulation.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Greg Pijar
Dates & Times: Saturday 3/1/25 0800-1400
Location: North End Fire Co. 118 N Tulpehocken St Pine Grove, PA 17963
Mod 2: Fire Ground Support 3/4/25 at SCTA
Fire Ground Support (ELFG)
FSC: 2460 Hours: 32.0 (Lecture: 12.0hrs / Lab: 20.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 14 and up, Introduction to the Fire Service (ELIS), or Bucks Basic Academy
Description: This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to fire ground operation including fire behavior, building construction-structural collapse, fire hose, water supply, communications, ropes and knots, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This is the second of five levels (courses) in the curriculum.
Out of County Cost: $50, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 3/4 1800-2200, 3/6 1800-2200, 3/9 0800-1600, 3/11 1800-2200, 3/13 1800-2200, & 3/16 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Fire Service Instructor 1 3/6/25 at SCTA
Fire Service Instructor I – NFPA 1041
FSC: 0656 Hours: 40.0 (Lecture: 40.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up
Gear: Laptop Computer Recommended
Textbook: IFSTA Fire & Emergency Services Instructor 8th Edition
Description: This course establishes the foundation for delivery of training programs within the emergency services spectrum. Emphasis is placed on professional delivery, organization, and methodologies of teaching. Students will develop lesson plans, curriculum presentations, and evaluation tools. Successful completion of the program is dependent upon practical skill demonstration, including a presentation, and a multiple-choice written examination.
Out of County Cost: $59, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Greg Pijar
Dates & Times: 3/6 1800-2200, 3/8 0800-1600, 3/10 1800-2200, 3/12 1800-2200, 3/15 0800-1600, 3/19 1800-2200, & 3/22 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 3/10/25 at South Ward Tamaqua
Hazardous Materials Operations Annual Refresher (HMOR)
FSC: 0737 Hours: 6.0 (Lecture: 2.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Hazardous Materials Operations
Description: This course will allow a hazardous material emergency responder at the First Responder Operations Level to receive refresher training as required annually by federal regulation.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Ron Radel
Dates & Times: Monday 3/10/25 1830-2130 & Thursday 3/13/25 1830-2130
Location: South Ward Fire Co. 325 Van Gelder St. Tamaqua, PA 18252
Mod 3: Exterior Firefighter 3/18/25 at SCTA
Exterior Firefighter (ELEF)
FSC: 2462 Hours: 40.0 (Lecture: 16.0hrs / Lab: 36.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 14 and up, Fire Ground Support, or Bucks Basic Academy, NIMS – 100 & 700
Description: This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to fire ground operation including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fire behavior, building construction, fire extinguishers, forcible entry, ladders, and fire streams/hose line advancement. This is the third of five levels (courses) in the curriculum.
Out of County Cost: $50, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 3/18 1800-2200, 3/20 1800-2200, 3/23 0800-1600, 3/25 1800-2200, 3/27 1800-2200, 3/30 0800-1600, 4/1 1800-2200, & 4/3 1800-2200
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Basic Fire Police 3/24/25 at SCTA
Basic Fire Police (BFPO)
FSC: 0604 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 12.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up
Description: This course sets forth the need for fire police, as well as their legal police power, personal and professional qualifications, appointment and control, general and special duties, and limitations.
Out of County Cost: $52, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Brian Hollenbush
Dates & Times: 3/24 1800-2200, 3/26 1800-2200, 3/31 1800-2200, & 4/2 1800-2200
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Arson Awareness 3/25/25 at Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Co Sheppton
Arson Awareness for Emergency Response Personnel (AAEP)
FSC: 0735 Hours: 4.0 (Lecture: 4.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up
Description: This class presents the students with a basic overview of fire chemistry and fire investigation for use in evaluating origin and cause determinations.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Brian Hollenbush
Dates & Times: Tuesday 3/25/25 1800-2200
Location: Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Co 900 Center St Sheppton, PA 18248
Solar Panel Awareness 4/3/25 at South Ward Tamaqua
Solar Panel Awareness for the Fire Service
FSC: 0381 Hours: 4.0 (Lecture: 4.0hrs / Lab: 0.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up
Description: This course is intended for Emergency Responders, as well as, other private or municipal agencies. This course is an awareness level program covering system types, code compliant installations, associated hazards, and safe work practices near solar PV systems. The course will introduce students to solar PV system operations, components, design and recommended practices.
Out of County Cost: $33, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Guy Arndt
Dates & Times: Thursday 4/3/25 1800-2200
Location: South Ward Fire Co. 325 Van Gelder St. Tamaqua, PA 18252
Hazmat Operations 4/7/25 at SCTA
Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO)
FSC: 0472 Hours: 32.0 (Lecture: 21.0hrs / Lab: 11.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Hazardous Materials Awareness
Description: The goal of this program is to provide the First Responder with the training needed to comply with NFPA 472 Chapter 5 Competencies for the First Responder at the Operational Level, and 29 CFR 1910.120 OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, (HAZWOPER), First Responder Operations Level. This program is designed to give the first responder the necessary skills to handle hazardous materials emergencies. After successfully completing this course you would be eligible to take the national certification testing for national certification in Hazardous Materials Operations Level.
Out of County Cost: $60, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Ron Radel
Dates & Times: 4/7 1800-2200, 4/9 1800-2200, 4/12 0800-1600, 4/14 1800-2200, 4/16 1800-2200, 4/22 1800-2200, & 4/24 1800-2200
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Structural Burn Session 4/8/25 at SCTA
Structure Burn Session (SBS)
FSC: 0600 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 4.0hrs / Lab: 12.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter, or Bucks Basic Academy, or FF 1 (Age 17 with Act 155 permission form),
Description: This course will provide the student with a review and application of the techniques used in safe firefighting practices in an actual structural fire environment. Emphasis is placed on safety for both interior and exterior operations.
Out of County Cost: $59, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
*Non-Donor company members will be charged $50 to attend*
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 4/8 1600/2200, 4/10 1800-2200, & 4/12 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Firefighter 1 Skills Enhancement 4/13/25 at SCTA
Firefighter I Skills Enhancement (FCIP)
FSC: 0139 Hours: 32.0 (Lecture: 14.0hrs / Lab: 18.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter, or Bucks Basic Academy, or Structure Burn Session
Description: This course is designed to refresh and reinforce the basic knowledge and skills required by any fire fighter who wishes to work efficiently, effectively and safely as part of a team on the fire ground.
Out of County Cost: $57, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class
Instructor: Clint Herr
Dates & Times: 4/13 0800-1600, 4/15 1800-2200, 4/17 1800-2200, 4/22 1800-2200, 4/24 1800-2200, & 4/26 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Firefighter Survival 4/15/25 at SCTA
Firefighter Survival (SURV)
FSC: 0202 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 6.0hrs / Lab: 10.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter, or Bucks Basic Academy, or Structure Burn Session, or Firefighter I Certification
Description: This program is a physically demanding, comprehensive program dealing with the necessary knowledge and skills relative to rescue procedures needed for self-rescue. Emphasis will be placed on search techniques, communications, accountability/location and self-rescue procedures. This program will teach the firefighters how to reduce the risk of fire fighter injuries and deaths in Pennsylvania. The class will enable fire fighters to become more aware and familiar with procedures that may be used to prevent or perhaps lessen the seriousness of injuries or even save their lives. Students must be in adequate physical condition to perform 100% of all practical exercises.
Out of County Cost: $60, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 4/15 1800-2200, 4/17 1800-2200, & 4/19 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Emergency Services Driver Training (EVDT) 4/22/25 at New Ringgold
Emergency Services Driver Training (EVDT)
FSC: 0235 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 8.0hrs / Lab: 8.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Current Driver’s License
Description: This course is suitable for both novice and veteran emergency vehicle operators. This course provides instruction for emergency personnel who may be involved in operating emergency vehicles. Topics included: defensive driving, emergency response, vehicle maintenance, and a driver training obstacle course. Students will be responsible for securing apparatus to drive.
Out of County Cost: $51, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Mike Kitsock
Dates & Times: Tuesday 4/22 1800-2200, Thursday 4/24 1800-2200, & Saturday 4/26 0800-1600
Location: Community Fire Co. New Ringgold 25 E Railroad Ave. New Ringgold, PA 17960
Mod 4: Interior Firefighter 4/29/25 at SCTA
Interior Firefighter (ELIF)
FSC: 2463 Hours: 40.0 (Lecture: 12.0hrs / Lab: 28.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up (Age 17 with Act 155 permission form), Exterior Firefighter (ELEF), or Bucks Basic Academy, or Firefighter I, and Hazardous Materials Operations
Description: This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to interior fire ground operations including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Search and Rescue Procedures, Firefighter Survival, Ventilation, Utility and Loss Control, Origin and Cause, and Fire Control (Suppression). This is the fourth of five levels (courses) in the curriculum.
Out of County Cost: $50, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 4/29 1800-2200, 5/1 1800-2200, 5/4 0800-1600, 5/6 1800-2200, 5/8 1800-2200, 5/13 1800-2200, 5/15 1800-2200, 5/20 1800-2200, & 5/22 1800-2200
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Structural Fire Rescue 5/6/25 at SCTA
Structural Fire Rescue (SFR)
FSC: 0325 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 5.0hrs / Lab: 11.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter, or Bucks Basic Academy, or FF 1
Description: This course will instruct the student in the methods of rescuing victims from buildings under fire conditions. Topics to be discussed and practiced are search procedures, victim handling techniques, and methods of removing victims from above and below grade situations.
Out of County Cost: $40, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Brian Markovchick
Dates & Times: 5/6 1800-2200, 5/8 1800-2200, & 5/10 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Pump Operations 1 5/6/25 at SCTA
Pump Operations I (PUOP)
FSC: 0420 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 10.0hrs / Lab: 6.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up
Description: This course provides the fire fighter with an introduction to basic pump construction and theory as well as operating techniques. Emphasis is placed on getting water to the pump, getting water from the pump for hose streams, and prevention of common mistakes in pump operations.
Out of County Cost: $59, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Mike Kitsock
Dates & Times: 5/6 1800-2200, 5/8 1800-2200, & 5/10 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Pump Operations II 5/27/25 at SCTA
Pump Operations II (PUOA)
FSC: 0421 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 8.0hrs / Lab: 8.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Pump Operations I
Description: This course is designed to instruct the student in advanced techniques of operating fire pumps. Topics covered include friction loss, relay pumping, master streams, and elevated master streams.
Out of County Cost: $71, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Mike Kitsock
Dates & Times: 5/27 1800-2200, 5/29 1800-2200, & 5/31 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Structural Burn Session 5/27/25 at SCTA
Structure Burn Session (SBS)
FSC: 0600 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 4.0hrs / Lab: 12.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter, or Bucks Basic Academy, or FF 1 (Age 17 with Act 155 permission form),
Description: This course will provide the student with a review and application of the techniques used in safe firefighting practices in an actual structural fire environment. Emphasis is placed on safety for both interior and exterior operations.
Out of County Cost: $59, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
*Non-Donor company members will be charged $50 to attend*
Instructor: Kevin Sibbett
Dates & Times: 5/27 1800-2200, 5/29 1800-2200, & 6/1 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy
Tanker Water Supply 6/3/25 at SCTA
Tanker Water Supply (TAWS)
FSC: 0415 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 12.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up
Description: This course will provide instruction for supplying the fire ground with water from tank trucks as the main source of water. Topics covered include tanker construction, water supply sources and set up, water flow requirements, tanker shuttle systems, and safe and efficient operations.
Out of County Cost: $57, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Mike Kitsock
Dates & Times: 6/3 1800-2200, 6/5 1800-2200, & 6/7 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy