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
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 2/16/25 at Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co. *Rescheduled for 3/30/25*
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 3/30/25 0900-1500
Location: Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co. 121 High St. Coaldale, PA 18218
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
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 4/1/25 at Good Will Port Carbon
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: Tuesday 4/1 1800-2100 & Wednesday 4/2 1800-2100
Location: Good Will Fire Company 88 Washington St. Port Carbon, PA 17965
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
Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue 4/5/25 at North End Pine Grove
Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue (ROBR)
FSC: 0341 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 4.0hrs / Lab: 12.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 16 and up, Introduction to Safety & the Training System
Description: Participants in this course will be introduced to rope, rope hardware, patient packing, and basic haul systems, which can be used in various aspects of rescue. The intent of this course is to provide rope and basic rigging experience for anyone interested in rope rescue, but particularly those who do not want to, or are unable, to rappel.
Out of County Cost: $40, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Floyd Wise
Dates & Times: 4/5/25 0800-1600 & 4/6/25 0800-1600
Location: North End Fire Co. 118 N Tulpehoken St. Pine Grove, PA 17963
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 4/6/25 at Muir Porter Twp
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: 4/6 0800-1400
Location: Muir Volunteer Fire Co. 107 W Church St Muir, PA 17957
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
Hazmat Operations Annual Refresher 4/7/25 at Joliett Porter Twp
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: Greg Pijar
Dates & Times: 4/7 1800-2100 & 4/9 1800-2100
Location: Joliett Volunteer Fire Co. 401 Main St Joliett, PA 17981
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
RIT Basic Training 4/21/25 at Orwin Porter Twp
Rapid Intervention Team Basic Training
FSC: 0760 Hours: 16.0 (Lecture: 12.0hrs / Lab: 4.0hrs)
Prerequisites: Age 18 and up, Interior Firefighter (ELIF), or Bucks Basic Academy, or
Firefighter I, and Rapid Intervention Teams (RITC)
Description: This course is designed to provide fire fighters with the knowledge and skill objectives to safely perform rescue techniques to remove trapped or lost fire fighters during deteriorating suppression activities. Included in this course: RIT Team roles and responsibilities, evaluation of case studies, function during suppression activities, lifting and moving techniques, extrication support needs, team building skills, size-up techniques, and structure layout. The fire fighter will also participate in “live” scenario-based evaluations involving a down/trapped fire fighter.
Out of County Cost: $72, please make checks payable to the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association on the first day of class.
Instructor: Mike Kotzo
Dates & Times: 4/21 1800-2200, 4/25 1800-2200, & 4/26 0800-1600
Location: Orwin Fire Co. 333 Dietrich Ave. Tower City, PA 17980
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
Emergency Services Driver Training (EVDT) 6/10/25 at Hometown Rush Twp
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 6/10 1800-2200, Thursday 6/12 1800-2200, & Saturday 6/14 0800-1600
Location: Hometown Volunteer Fire Co. 45 Mahanoy Ave Tamaqua, PA 18252
Tanker Water Supply 7/15/25 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: 7/15 1800-2200, 7/17 1800-2200, & 7/19 0800-1600
Location: Schuylkill County Training Academy