Fire Academy

Program Type: Face-to-Face, Fully Online
Program Level: Degrees, Certificates
Department: First Responders Academy
Institute: Public Service
College: SAC

What is the Regional Fire Academy program?

The SAC Regional Fire Academy is a 16-week program that prepares you to earn the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification. This certification is a requirement to become a firefighter in Texas, along with the successful completion of a recognized emergency medical course, which is also available at SAC.

What will I learn?

You will get comprehensive training in all aspects of basic firefighting skills and hazardous materials through approximately 680 hours of training. You’ll get face-to-face, hands-on experience that will train you to meet the hiring standards for entry-level firefighters established by Texas fire departments. You’ll undergo training that prepares you to meet the requirements of industry-leading organizations including the TCFP, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

What can I do with this course of study?

Once you’ve graduated, earned your TCFP certification and completed the EMT Basic Certificate, you can apply for entry-level firefighting positions in Texas fire departments. You can also pursue an associate degree in Fire Science at SAC to advance in your firefighting career. SAC offers two associate degrees in the field, including Fire Science and Fire Service Leadership. Both degree programs are available fully online.

What is special about the program?

The San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy is a quality fire training facility providing the most realistic live fire training possible while promoting professionalism and academic excellence. The academy is unique among live fire training facilities in the region because of the ability to consistently burn Class A fuels (wood) and Class B fuels (propane), utilizing a variety of props. Our instructors are seasoned veterans in the fire service with many years of cumulative teaching and operational experience. The Fire Academy takes place every fall semester (August to December), spring semester (January to May), and summer semester (May to August). The Academy meets Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each 16-week semester (occasional Saturdays required).

Degrees and Certificates

The program offers two Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. degree tracts as well as a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) approved basic structural firefighter academy.

  • Fire Science/Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security, A.A.S. ♦︎
    • The Fire Science / Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and the need for trained professionals in disaster preparedness.
    • Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector certification
    • 100% online
    • For more information click HERE
  • Fire Service Leadership, A.A.S. ♦︎ 
    • The Fire Service Leadership Program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and in fire service management.
    • Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector, Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor I & II. Incident Safety Officer, and Haz-Mat Incident commander certifications.
    • For more information click HERE
  • Firefighter / Basic, Level I Certificate
    • The SAC Regional Fire Academy (RFA) is part of the TCFP firefighter certification process. Prior to being appointed to fire suppression duties, personnel must complete a Commission-approved basic structure fire suppression program and successfully complete a Commission recognized emergency medical course.
    • Required to get your Texas firefighter certification

♦ This symbol indicates the offering is also available fully online.

Courses Offered by Semester

Fall Semester

FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I

FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I

FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I

FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I

FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I

FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II

FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations

FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)

Spring Semester

FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I

FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I

FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I

FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I

FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I

FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II

FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations

FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)

Summer Semester

FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I

FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I

FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I

FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I

FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I

FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II

FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations

FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)

Faculty

Fire Academy Adjunct Instructors
BALL, Walter LEE, Terry
BERTIE, Jason MARTINEZ, Gilbert
CAMPOS, Abel MILLER, Michael
CASAREZ, Manuel  MONTES, Thomas
DE LEON, Adam O'DESKY, Alexander
ESPINOZA, Jorge REESE, Daniel
GONZALES, Victor RICHARDS, Samual
HERNANDEZ, Ivan RICHARDSON, Donald
HERNANDEZ, Joe RODRIGUEZ, Albert 
HIEBEL, Christopher RODRIGUEZ, Edward
HOWARD, James K SANCHEZ, Andrew
HOYT, Jennifer SANDERS, William
HUGHETT, Connor WASICEK, Amber
KITCHENS, James WHITE, Aaron
KRAMER, Daniel  

Let's Get Started

SAC has temporarily adjusted our enrollment process to allow steps to be completed remotely by students. Please follow the 1,2,3 Steps.

STEP 1: Registration

A. Welcome Center

The center provides assistance with the following:

  • Apply Texas application for admission
    • Completion of the SAC enrollment steps and    AlamoEnroll modules
  • Submission of official transcripts, Bacterial Meningitis, and other important documents
  • New Student Orientation Sign-Up
    • New student orientation is mandatory for all student entering SAC for the first time.
  • Enrollment Coach assistance

Contact:

BFinancial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office offers assistance in applying, processing, and maintaining financial aid.

Contact:

 C. Assessment Center

The Assessment and Testing Center  provides assistance with

  • Test Administration of the TSI Exam for college placement
  • Evaluate student's TSI status

Contact:

STEP 2: Enrollment

A. Advising

Certified Advisors provide a variety of advising services including, but not limited to answering the following questions:

  • What degree do I follow?
  • What classes do I take?
  • Do I get credit for my certifications and training?
  • How close am I to graduating?
  • When do I apply for graduation?
  • I have enrollment holds, what do I do?
  • How do I declare my major?

Contact:

 C. Ready to Enroll

STEP 3: Tuition Exemption

TUITION EXEMPTIONS INSTRUCTIONS

Submission of Tuition Exemptions

Term Tuition Exemption First Day to Submit Tuition Exemption Last Day to Submit
Fall 2023 April 6, 2023 August 16, 2023
Spring 2024 April 6, 2023 December 14, 2023
Summer 2024 April 6, 2023 May 2, 2024

 

FULL TIME FIREFIGHTERS

  1. Employment verification letter signed by the Chief on departmental letterhead
    1. NOT older than two weeks
  2. Tuition Exemption Form completed and signed
    1. Tuition Exemption Form Click Here
    2. Only fill-out highlighted areas
  3. Attach a color copy of ...
    1. Driver's License
    2. TCFP FIDO Account Number
  4. Proof of Enrollment
    1. Class Schedule
    2. Degree plan with the enrolled courses highlighted.
  5. Submit all documentation as one file (preferably a PDF document) to sac-firescience@alamo.edu

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

  1. Employment verification letter signed by the Chief on department letterhead not older than two weeks
    1. At least one year as an active member of an organized volunteer fire department participating in the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System
  2. Tuition Exemption Form completed and signed
    1. Tuition Exemption Form Click Here
    2. Only fill-out highlighted areas
  3. Attach a Color copy of ...
    1. Driver's License
    2. TCFP FIDO Account Number
  4. Proof of Enrollment
    1. Class Schedule
    2. Degree plan with the enrolled courses highlighted.
  5. Submit all documentation as one file (preferably PDF document) to sac-firescience@alamo.edu

NOTE: Tuition Exemption Forms must be completed every semester. All tuition exemptions will be processed and forwarded to Business Office on Thursdays.

LINK RESOURCES:

Government Code:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.54.htm#54.353
Administrative Code:
http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=19&pt=
1&ch=21&sch=Z&rl=Y
SFFMA Website:
https://www.sffma.org/
TCFP Website:
http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/
NFPA Website:
http://www.nfpa.org/

STEP 4: Payment

A. Business Office - Pay My Tuition

Provides a financial system of charges, refunds, and payments.

  • Are installment plans available?
  • How much do I owe? or I need a refund.
  • How do I Pay?
    • Send money orders and certified checks to
      • 1819 N. MAIN AVE., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78212, ATTN: BUSINESS OFFICE
    • Online Payment Click Here

Contact:

(210) 486-0201

dst-VBO2@alamo.edu

FAQs

When does the Fire Academy begin?

The Fire Academy is held every Fall Semester (August to December), Spring Semester (January to May), and Summer Semester (May to August) . The Academy meets Monday-Friday from 0600 thru 1700 hrs. for one semester (16 Weeks). 

How much does it cost?

The Fire Academy will cost approximately $4,100, this includes: books, uniforms, equipment, etc.  

How can I pay for Tuition?

Tuition can be paid for in multiple ways, such as cash, check, credit/debit card, etc. Other methods include scholarships, VA-GI Bill, student loans, or Financial Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or  http://www.alamo.edu/district/financial-aid/ .  Payment in full or by installments must be made by the payment deadline or you will be dropped from your classes. 

Where is the Fire Academy located?

The First Responder’s Academy Campus is located at 15775 IH 35 South, Atascosa, TX 78002.

A map showing the location of the First Responders Training Facility with text directions. 
 click to download a pdf
What is the difference between a City Fire Academy and the SAC Fire Academy?

A City Fire Academy is one that is part of the employment process of that particular city. Most large city fire departments have a Civil Service type exam in which anyone who meets the minimum qualifications can take. Based on successful completion of the hiring process, you are ranked on a list. This whole process can take up to a year to complete and is very competitive due to a very high volume of people competing.  Most people inquire about a fire academy such as the San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy because they do not want to risk losing the time when they could be working towards certification and or their degree while searching for a job with a city that does not have their own fire academy which only hires certified firefighter/EMTs. 

Can I apply for a job as a firefighter after the fire academy?

In the State of Texas, a certified Firefighter must also hold Basic Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in order to be certified/eligible for hire.  You have the option to either go to an EMT academy before the fire academy or after. 

Do I receive college credit hours for completing the fire academy?

Yes. Successful completion of the fire academy will earn you 27 college credit hours.  These hours will transfer right in to a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field at a University.  For those who are not seeking a degree, you can register as a certificate only student as opposed to a degree student. 

Do Firefighters receive a discount on tuition?

Yes. The State of Texas rewards Full Time Firefighters with a tuition waiver program at certain State Colleges under certain degree plans.  For instance, once you are a career firefighter in the State of Texas, you can register for classes that are approved by the Department and your tuition will be waived up to and including a Bachelor’s Degree. 

What is the testing process for achieving certification?

You will be required to pass a final exam with a score of 80% in order to graduate the fire academy.  You will also be required to complete all practical skills throughout the semester as well as be tested at random by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection on these skills.  To achieve certification, you must also pass the State Written Exam with a score of 70%. 

Do I have to be in good physical shape to be a firefighter?

Yes. Firefighters are members of one of the most physically demanding occupations in the world. You must be in top physical condition to perform the tasks required of a Firefighter, such as rescuing victims, carrying equipment, raising ladders, and performing automobile extractions. In addition, Firefighters will be required to demonstrate proficiency in performing essential job duties.

In order to be hired by most fire departments you will take a physical ability/agility exam.  One example of these exams includes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).  Click on this link for an example of a Preparation Guide.

What are the age requirements/restrictions?

There are no restrictions based on age to become a cadet of the SAC Regional Fire Academy.  Every person performs at a different level physically no matter what age.  Our academy also includes cadet classes made of high school students as a dual credit academy.  Every fire department has different rules on age requirements but not all departments will put a limit on age.  Most departments will however have a physical ability exam to prove that the candidate can perform essential job functions. 

Connect With Us

Contact Us

Frank L. Poyner
Regional Fire Academy Director/Chief San Antonio College First Responders Academy
Enrollment Contact
fpoyner@alamo.edu
Office (210) 486-0097
Mobile (719) 440-7587

Abel L. Campos
Regional Fire Academy San Antonio College First Responders Academy
Instructor/Chief
acampos16@alamo.edu
Office (210) 486-1754
Mobile (210) 386-1052

Connor Hughett
Faculty Instructor / Captain
Regional Fire Academy
San Antonio College First Responders Academy
chughett@alamo.edu
(210)486-0093

Location(s)
Off Campus:
First Responders Academy (FRA-011) 15775 IH 35 South Atascosa, TX 78002
Office: (210) 486-0086

On Campus: Nurses Allied Health Center, Rm. 105