Recruit Class

The Recruit Class is a residential program in which newly hired firefighters remain on the campus of The Fire Academy of Kentucky for 13 weeks with all meals and lodging provided. During this time recruits are put through daily physical exercise, live-fire training, hands-on evolutions in multiple disciplines, and numerous classroom topics. Recruits will gain nearly 400 hours of training from highly knowledgeable and certified State Fire Rescue Training instructors employed by the Kentucky Fire Commission. Pending successful testing, recruits will earn IFSAC Certifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper and Driver Operator Mobile Water Supply; along with the Kentucky Basic 2 Certification which makes career firefighters eligible to receive State Incentive Pay. In addition, through a partnership with Madisonville Community College, recruits will earn 21 college credits towards an Associate Degree, and will earn two college certificates in Basic and Advanced Firefighting. The Fire Academy of Kentucky is a SACS accredited facility. The goal of the Recruit Class is to produce certified firefighters who have a strong foundation and understanding of the basic principles of the fire service. After completing the Recruit Class, firefighters will be prepared for more advanced and department-specific training immediately upon their return. The Kentucky Fire Commission provides this Recruit Class through The Fire Academy of Kentucky, free of charge to all Kentucky fire departments.