The Fire Leadership program of study initially became available to students in January 2017 with an inaugural class of 50 students. This program of study has continued to grow, filling to capacity each year. Interested students must enroll in the program as freshmen. In order to complete the entire program, students must begin their freshman year and remain in the academy through their senior year.
The lead instructor for the Fire Leadership program of study is a state certified firefighter and a certified Florida State Fire College instructor. Coursework focuses on leadership development, preparing students with skills including but not limited to: fire behavior; first responder model; personal protective equipment; use of ropes, tools, and equipment; use of fire streams; and the fundamentals of extinguishment and rescue procedures.
Students are taught the history, equipment, and specialties in fire service and become CPR certified. Clear career pathways are explored including firefighter certifications, EMT coursework, associate degrees, paramedic training programs, and bachelor’s degree programs.
The Fire Leadership Program accepts only incoming 9th grade students. Incoming 9th graders who are interested in applying, should complete the Program of Study Application.
FPCHS students who are currently enrolled in the Fire Leadership Program do not need to reapply.
As students complete program coursework, they will also be completing State Fire College components. Students will become certified in CPR, and as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). Upon graduation, students will complete a short IDLH course through Flagler County Fire Rescue and then sit for the state fire exam. State law requires students to be 18 in order to complete the IDLH course and state exam.
Seniors in the program will also have the opportunity to dual enroll at Flagler Technical College in order to complete the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. Upon graduation, Fire Leadership students will be state certified firefighters and certified EMTs.
The FPCHS Fire Leadership program of study is a joint effort between Flagler Schools and our local fire municipalities: Flagler County Fire Rescue, The City of Palm Coast Fire Department, and the City of Flagler Beach Fire Department. Without their input and support this academy would not be possible. The Flagler County Economic Development Board has determined that fire and medical is a high-need employment area within Flagler County. The goal of the FPCHS Fire Leadership program of study is to graduate job-ready firefighters and EMTs who will be fully trained to work and live in Flagler County.
Flagler County Fire and Rescue welcomes all current FPCHS Fire Leadership Program students to visit any one of their fire houses at any time. This is a great opportunity for students to see what life is like for a firefighter while also building their professional network.
The City of Palm Coast Fire Department has a Ride-Along Program that our current FPCHS Fire Leadership Program students may participate in. Students who choose to participate in this program get to experience life at a firehouse firsthand and even get to ride along with the firefighters when answering calls. This program takes place after school hours and requires a permission slip from the City of Palm Coast Fire Department.