This is an opportunity designed primarily for second semester (January-May) 12th grade students who are eager to become part of the emergency services field (11th graders may be eligible). Students are trained and certified as nationally recognized firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), ready to make immediate impact in our local communities. The program operates similarly to career firefighter/EMT academies focused on an advanced level of discipline, accountability, respect, and teamwork. As a prerequisite for this program, students must maintain a current membership with a fire department committed to sponsoring the individual, including equipping students with necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and providing the financial contribution ($1000 per student).
Technical Skills:
No previous experience is required; however, highly encouraged. Students will be trained to carry out all duties required of an interior firefighter and charge EMT in both the volunteer and career capacity, both of which are physically and mentally demanding at times.
Professional Skills:
Students must conduct themselves in accordance with the National Society of Executive Fire Officers, Firefighter Code of Ethics.
Career Opportunities or Field Positions:
Upon successful completion of the FRP, students will be fully employable as a firefighter/EMT’s.
What Certifications can I earn?
-EMT (Pennsylvania and National Registry certification) // First Aid and CPR (American Heart)
-Firefighter I (National certification) with Structural Burn Session
-Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations (PA State Fire Academy certification)
-Fire Dynamics Fundamentals // Strategies & Tactics (PA State Fire Academy certification)
-Firefighter Survival Awareness (PA State Fire Academy certification)
-Engine and Truck Company Operations (PA State Fire Academy certification)
-Vehicle Rescue Awareness & Operations (PA State Fire Academy certification)
What College Credits can I earn?
Six credits toward an A.A. Degree in Emergency Management and/or up to nine credits toward an A.A. Degree in Fire Science through Bucks County Community College.
Program Requirements & Expectations:
Classes are held in a non-traditional school format, based on co-op models in coordination with the Franklin County Career and Technology Center. Lectures are conducted in a hybrid in-person and online format, along with hands-on skill development. Students are required to provide transportation to class at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center (FCPSTC) and Shippensburg EMS, as well as various fire stations.
Uniform Requirements:
Uniforms are provided and associated policies must be adhered to.
Ben Holmquist
Ben Holmquist is the FRP Coordinator and instructor for Bucks County Community College. Locally, he serves as a volunteer Deputy Fire Chief and board member of the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center, while working full time as a Lieutenant in the DC Metro area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and continues to pursue multiple educational opportunities.
Connie McGill
Connie McGill is the Paramedic Captain at Shippensburg Area EMS. Connie currently holds her PA state EMS Instructor and NAEMT Faculty/Instructor certifications. She has a bachelor’s degree in education/management from Shepherd University and has taught EMS classes for 20 years.
Jimmy Byers
Jimmy Byers leads the fire service training as the head fire service instructor from Bucks County Community College. He is a full-time career firefighter in the DC Metro area, and oversees the FCPSTC’s equipment, apparatus, and facility.
