FSCJ’s Fire Academy of the South has been named the 2016 Florida Fire Service Training and Education Provider of the Year. The honor marks the second time the Fire Academy has earned the award, having also won in 2010.

Of the 40 training centers in Florida, the Fire Academy of the South was among the four that received nominations. Only one other training center has won this award more than once. Selection was based upon faculty and staff credentials and resumes, success of the Fire Fighter I/II program and innovative programming.

Key elements of the nomination were recognition of Director Sheldon Reed as a member of the National Fire Protection Technical Committee on Fire Training Center Design and the implementation of the Public Safety drone program.

The award is presented annually at the January Florida Fire Training Directors Association (FFTDA) meeting held in conjunction with the annual Florida Fire Chief’s Conference in Daytona Beach. A formal recognition ceremony will be held in Tallahassee during a Governor’s Cabinet meeting during the upcoming legislative session, where a proclamation will also be issued.