EFSC Fire Training Center Named Tops in Florida

Eastern Florida State College’s Fire Training Center has been named the best in Florida for its work training firefighters and protecting the public.

The facility was chosen from more than 50 such centers around the state of Florida to receive the prestigious Fire Training Center of the Year Award presented during a Tuesday ceremony in Tallahassee where it was recognized for its programs and close cooperation with area fire departments.

“This award reflects the dedication and high level of professionalism shown by the everyone associated with the center,” said college President Dr. Jim Richey.

“Firefighters risk their lives to protect our lives and the training they receive at EFSC ensures they are ready to respond to any emergency anytime.

“We’re very proud of this achievement and thankful we have such courageous individuals in our community.”

EFSC opened a new state-of-the-art Fire Training Center on the Palm Bay campus in 2016.

It trains firefighters for all 13 municipal fire departments in Brevard County and Brevard County Fire-Rescue, making it central to public safety along the Space Coast.

It also provides advanced training for veteran firefighters, allowing them to hone their skills and learn new ones in specialized firefighting techniques and complicated rescue operations.

In 2019, more than 420 students were enrolled in recruit training, advanced training or studying for an Associate in Science Degree in Fire Science Technology.

To assist students seeking their Fire Science Degree, the college allows the transfer of up to five courses taught at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.

EFSC also works with local fire departments to bring coursework directly into their stations, giving students the opportunity to seek A.S. Degree credit through exams.

“While we work closely with Brevard fire departments, we’re also a valuable regional and statewide training resource because of the uniqueness of our facility,” said Bill Klein, Associate Professor of Fire Science Technology.

The center includes a four-story rescue tower, two-story burn building to conduct live burns, a propane field with control center, specialize training props and an academic building with classrooms.

“With more space devoted to the center, we’ll continue to expand our training and commitment to the community,” Klein said.

For more information on the Fire Training Center, visit easternflorida.edu/go/fire