Introduction to the Fire Service

Overview

The Connecticut Fire Academy’s Introduction To The Fire Service (ITTFS) Program was designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to learn more about the profession by attending a residential camp and performing training evolutions at the Connecticut Fire Academy.  Over the last 20 years, the program has evolved from the two original five-day sessions each summer to two, six-day residential sessions per summer.  Many alumni have moved on to become full members of their Fire Departments, have attended college in Fire and EMS programs and have earned employment as career Firefighters.

Introduction to the Fire Service

(July 13-18, 2020)

Thirty-two students are accepted into the Session.  This session immerses the students into the mission, culture and skill sets of the Fire Service.  A strong emphasis is placed on character, self- and mutual respect, individual empowerment and teamwork as students participate in physical fitness training, learn in a classroom setting, compete in team-based activities and progress in squads through a series of practical training evolutions divided into engine, ladder and rescue company fireground operations.  The class selects its own command staff based on the Incident Command System, who are responsible for the logistical support and operational performance of the group for the duration of the session.  Guest speakers who represent a variety of functions within the Fire Service are invited in each night to provide a broad perspective of the trade.  At the end of the session, the students respond to and mitigate a simulated multi-story building fire utilizing the skills that they have learned over the course of the week. 

Each student will reside at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks for the duration of the course. Meals and lodging are included in the tuition. All applicants must be affiliated with a Municipal Fire Department and the department Chief and applicant’s parent must sign the application. Firefighter protective clothing is required for the program which includes a helmet, bunker coat, firefighter gloves, bunker pants with boots, Nomex hood, safety glasses and work gloves.

Applications must be returned by March 29, 2020.  Do not send payment with the application, you will be invoiced when accepted into the appropriate program.

NOTE:  Due to increasing costs associated with this program,  the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control has been forced to increase the tuition of this program.  The cost will be $ 850.00 per student.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

ITTFS Application 2020

(August 3-8, 2020)

First introduced in 2011, the ASAC Session accepts a smaller group of 28 students who have successfully completed the Standard session.  These students develop their own Command Staff and attend a series of lectures and practical skills stations on more advanced material, including High Angle Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, Fireground Rehabilitation, Standpipe and Master Stream Operations and Pump Operator training.  Students participate in leadership, radio communications and instructional methodology training sessions and each Squad is responsible for development and delivery of a company level drill.  At graduation, the class responds to and mitigates a highly challenging simulated building fire, which involves a vehicle extrication, high-angle rope rescue, standpipe operations and a transition to a defensive attack. 

ASAC Application 2020

JUNIOR COUNSELOR PROGRAM

Link to informational letter from ITTFS program coordinator

Jr Counselor Application 2020

Application must be received by March 29, 2020 to be considered for an interview.