The Midland Fire Department’s first training academy class since 2005 will graduate the evening of Wednesday, July 2 at Midland College.
A ceremony will be held starting at 7 p.m. in the Carrasco Room at Midland College (3600 N. Garfield Street).
“This recruit academy was unique in that it was comprised of individuals that held varying levels of certifications,” said Fire Chief Robert Isbell.
Two of the graduates came to Texas from California, where they were already certified, and had to complete a reciprocity process to gain Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) certification. Three of the graduates who already held TCFP certifications were required to pass the National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician test. Midland FD requires both a TCFP Fire Certification and Texas Department of State Health Services EMT Basic Certification to be assigned as a firefighter. Three other graduates were enrolled in the Midland College Fire Academy who were hired as recruits and are currently attending EMT training at the college.
Five individuals who will be graduating attended MFD’s state-approved Fire Academy, a 12-week curriculum that covers a wide range of topics including firefighter safety, building construction, fire behavior and suppression, search and rescue, and Hazmat operations. Training included lectures, written tests, and hands-on training, in addition to live fire training, vehicle stabilization and extrication, and high angle rope training and rappelling.
These soon-to-be firefighters now have TCFP certifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazmat Awareness and Operations. All Midland firefighters are also required to obtained Paramedic Level certification.
###Media Contact: Midland Fire Department Chief Robert Isbell