At a check presentation on January 30 at FSCJ's Fire Academy of the South, FSCJ accepted a $25,000 check for the Fire Cadet Academy Grant from the AT&T Foundation. The grant provides scholarships to 11 students from underserved populations who wish to obtain FSCJ’s Firefighter I/II Workforce Certificate through the Fire Academy of the South (FAS).

The certificate program consists of Fire Fighter I certification that was completed in December 2017 and Fire Fighter II certification that runs from January to May 2018. Students who successfully complete the program qualify to sit for the state minimum standards written, oral and practical examination as administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

In addition to community fire departments, employment opportunities upon completion include inspectors, investigators, forest rangers and smoke jumpers, as well as federal and state installations such as airports and small, private firefighting companies.

“These scholarship funds will provide a much-needed opportunity for our deserving students to continue their education and emergency training to quickly become skilled firemen and women,” said FSCJ President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau. “We are thankful for this partnership with AT&T as they support our mission to make training available and accessible to those who may otherwise not have the opportunity.”

“Florida’s fire service community is one of the best in the nation, and I fully support making access to training easier and more affordable for those who want to serve,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “Partnerships and support like this help make Florida a better and safer place to live, work and raise a family.” 

Students will be trained in FSCJ’s FAS state-of-the-art training facilities with modern equipment including a new maritime fire trainer and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) simulator.