SAVANNAH — Beginning in January, Savannah Technical College will offer a full slate of firefighting certification and instructional programs including:
• Firefighter I and II: Basic firefighting instruction designed to prepare the student for firefighter certification. (19 credit hour certificate programs)
• Fire officer I: First of three steps in firefighter supervisor/officer development; also provides credit toward the firefighter diploma and associate degree program. (25 credit hour certificate program)
• Fire officer I advanced: Second of three steps in firefighter supervisor/officer development; also provides credit toward the firefighter diploma and associate degree program. (25 credit hour certificate program)
• Fire officer II: Third of three steps in firefighter supervisor/officer development; also provides credit toward the firefighter diploma and associate degree program. (20 credit hour certificate program)
• Fire science diploma: Academic and leadership development program. (73 credit hours)
• Fire science associate degree: Comprehensive academic and leadership development program. (113 credit hours)
General education classes will begin in January at the Savannah Campus, 5717 White Bluff Road. Fire science classes will begin in March at the college’s Crossroads Technology Campus off I-95 in the Crossroads Business Park.
“We’re offering the basic firefighter certifications because we know there is tremendous need for this instruction in our area,” said criminal justice department head Vic Burke, who will provide leadership for the programs during the start-up phase. “At the same time, there are a number of certified firefighters who are looking to advance their careers. The diploma and degree programs allow them to move into positions of leadership within their departments.”
For information, call Burke at 912-443-3017 or e-mail vburke@savannahtech.edu.