August 2025 Newsletter by Alabama Fire College

Alabama Fire College Alabama Fire College

Fire Officer IV (Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan)

Public Information Officer (Over-the-Mountain RTC) Volunteer Fire Fighter 160 (Summerdale VFD)

TRP: Surface/Swift Water Awareness, Operations, & Technician (Florence RTC)

TRP: Rope Awareness & Operations (Saginaw FD)

ImportantDates

August 15: Paramedic Graduation

September 1: Closed for Labor Day

September 4: Fire & Life Safety Summit

September 9: Fire Service Brieﬁng

October 11: Alabama Fireﬁghter Memorial Service

October 14: Fire Service Brieﬁng

October 21/22: Commission Work Session / Meeting

November 11: Closed for Veterans Day

November 14: Recruit School Graduation

November 27-28: Closed for Thanksgiving

December 9: Fire Service Brieﬁng

December 25-31: Closed for Christmas

January 1: Closed for New Year’s Day

www.alabamaﬁrecollege.org/events

AUG 13: Irondale

AUG 27: BREMSS

SEP 10: Summerdale

SEP 12: UAB Cadaver Lab

SEP 24: Prattville

OCT 8: Chelsea

OCT 22: Troy

NOV (TBA): Orange Beach (EMS Conference)

DEC (TBA): Birmingham

@ 9am Lunch @ 11am Skills Lab @ 12pm

AMASTRAININGOPPORTUNITIES

Online

courses:

start date: September 5 (complete by September 12)

start date: October 31 (complete by November 7)

start date: December 5 (complete by December 12)

AMAS Wide Area Search Awareness: This online training program is designed to instruct emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams on the techniques and procedures for conducting large-scale search operations in wide or expansive areas

Animal Behavior & Rescue: This online course will prepare AMAS team members with the basic knowledge of animal behavior and rescue techniques that may be encountered in the search and rescue environment. Students will learn basic traits and signs of animals in distress and how to evacuate them safely.

Animal First Aid: This online course will prepare Team members with basic knowledge of animal first aid. The student will be able to apply these skills to animals found injured after a disaster or in the event a search canine becomes injured

Bloodborne Pathogen Training for AMAS: This online course teaches team members how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure, and what to do if exposed to infectious material

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for AMAS provides an overview of recognizing the effects of stress and negative emotional reactions that interfere with a person’s ability to function due to an event or repeated exposure to events such as a disaster.

GPS Awareness for AMAS: AMAS team members who enter or use GPS coordinates should have a basic understanding of the GPS units, systems, and issues that affect accuracy This course is designed to provide the training to address these issues Students will learn the basic GPS theory as applied to field use Students will understand what type of coordinates are used by both State and Federal Urban Search & Rescue Teams. Also, with the evolution of technology, students will be introduced to Survey123 and how to enter data during a disaster, and its potential uses and issues.

Intro to AMAS: This course will provide a better understanding of AMAS and its role within the Emergency Operation Plan. Team members will learn the different types of Teams and response capabilities within the Intrastate or Interstate deployment There will also be guidance for preparing yourself and your family for extended incidents that also affect your local community

Introduction to US&R – AMAS: This course will provide an understanding of US&R and its role at the National, State, and Local response systems. Students will also learn the US&R NIMS team types, task force capabilities, sections, positions, and their general and position-specific training requirements.

Structural Collapse Rescue-Vertical Shoring Basics: The Structural Collapse Rescue: Vertical Shoring Basics course, presented by the Alabama Fire College/AMAS, provides an introduction and refresher on vertical shoring techniques essential for structural collapse rescue operations Aimed at both operations and technician-level personnel, the course covers foundational principles such as the purpose and function of vertical shores, shoring plan considerations, wood shore strength, inspection protocols, and the differences between dead loads and live loads

Survey123 for AMAS: This course will provide an understanding of geospatial tools used to help search and rescue teams post, and emergency operations center.

will provide an overview of water safety and rescue, such as omponents of an IAP, scene security, active and passive of safety officers in a water environment

Canine Search Specialist

September 26-28 @ AFC

The Instructor-Led Training (ILT) component of the Canine Search Specialist course is designed to provide Urban Search and Rescue personnel with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to select, train, and work with current and future search canines. This in-person course is appropriate for canine handlers who will work with either Live-Find (LF) or Human Remains Detection (HRD) canines during search and rescue operations as a part of Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) national response.

The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit is Coming to Opelika!

September 10–16, 2025

Southern Union State Community College – Opelika Campus FREE Admission

For the first time ever in Alabama, experience the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 83-foot Mobile Exhibit, a traveling 1,100-square-foot museum honoring the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001. Along the Southern Union walking track, honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice

See & Hear History

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including World Trade Center steel, marble, and aluminum facade. Videos, 9/11 dispatch audio, and a tribute to fallen first responders. Guided tours led by retired FDNY firefighters who responded on 9/11.

Public Hours:

Thu, Sept. 11 – 11 AM–7 PM

Sat, Sept. 13 – 11 AM–7 PM

Sun, Sept. 14 – 11 AM–7 PM

Mon, Sept. 15 – 3 PM–6 PM

Tue, Sept. 16 – 3 PM–6 PM

(Closed for school tours at other times)

Location: 301 Lake Condy Rd., Opelika, AL 36801. Parking from West Point Pkwy or Lake Condy Rd; overflow east of CIM building

Important:

First-come, first-served entry. No weapons, food, or drinks. Last tour starts 30 minutes before closing.

Contact: Chief Jim Doody, 850-305-8350 Volunteer opportunities available!

Fire Ocer II

Youth Firesetting Program Manager

TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

WebEnhanced SEP 3, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, 30 (2025)

books only AL VFF only

On-Campus SEP 22-23 (2025) none any

On-Campus NOV 3-7 (2025) none AL Career or VFF only

FDSO: Incident Safety Ocer

Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon

FDSO: Health & Safety Ocer

Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations

Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations

HazMat/WMD: Technician

Preparation for Initial Company Operations

FAO: Mobile Water Supply

FES Instructor I

FES Instructor II

FAO: Pumper

Fire Investigator

Supervising Emergency Medical Services

TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician

TRP: Rope Rescue Awareness & Operations

TRP: Rope Rescue Technician

TRP: Wilderness Search & Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician

On-Campus JAN 10, 11, 24, 25

On-Campus JAN 10-11

On-Campus FEB 7, 8, 21, 22

On-Campus FEB 23-24

On-Campus MAR 21-22

On-Campus APR 11, 12, 25, 26, MAY 2, 3

On-Campus APR 27-28

On-Campus MAY 2-3

On-Campus JUN 6, 7, 20, 21

On-Campus JUL 11, 12, 25, 26

On-Campus AUG 8, 9, 22, 23

On-Campus JAN 10, 11, 24, 25

On-Campus JUN 22-23

On-Campus MAR 7, 8, 21, 22

On-Campus APR 11, 12, 25, 26

On-Campus FEB 7, 8, 21, 22

books only AL VFF only

none any

books only AL VFF only

none any

books only AL VFF only

none any

books only AL VFF only

none any

books only AL VFF only

CURRICULUM+CERTIFICATIONUPDATES

Standard on Professional Qualiﬁcations for Fireﬁghters (2024)

(prospected release: June 1, 2026)

Airport Fire Fighter: IFSTA’s Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting, 7 Ed. th

Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial, ARFF Driver, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Mobile Water Supply, Pumper: IFSTA’s Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4 Ed. th

Fire Fighter I & Fire Fighter II: IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 1, 8th Ed. and Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 2, 8 Ed. This change will also aect these courses: Volunteer Fire Fighter, Fire Fighter I/II Recruit School, Fire Fighter I/II Bridge, & Fire Fighter I Recertification. th

Marine Fire Fighter: IFSTA’s Marine Fireﬁghting for Land-Based Fireﬁghters, 3 Ed. rd Fire Support Person (new level; prospected release TBA)

NFPA 1020, Standard for Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, Fire Oicer & Emergency Medical Services Oicer Professional Qualiﬁcations (2025) (potential release dates Fall-2026)

Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series I-III

Fire Oicer series I-IV

Live Fire Instructor / Instructor-in-Charge

NFPA 1081, Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualiﬁcations (2024) (potential release dates mid-2026)

Incipient Facility Fire Brigade Member

Advanced Exterior Facility Fire Brigade Member

Interior Structural Facility Fire Brigade Member

Facility Fire Brigade Support Persons

Facility Fire Brigade Leader

NPFA 1550, Standard for Emergency Responder Health & Safety (2024) (prospective release date: June 1, 2026)

Fire Department Safety Oicer: Health & Safety Oicer: Jones & Bartlett’s Occupational Safety and Health in the Emergency Services, Revised 5th Ed.

Fire Department Safety Oicer: Incident Safety Oicer: Jones & Bartlett’s Fire Department

Incident Safety Oicer, 4th Ed.

Summer Travel Safety: Traveling this summer? Prepare for emergencies in your“home away from home” with safety tip sheets for hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

Back to School Fire Safety: With students returning to school and college campuses, it’s the perfect time to promote fire safety tips on cooking and lithium-ion battery safety especially in dorms and off-campus housing. Explore available resources.

Prevent Electric Shock Drowning: NFPA’s Summer Safety Tips help communities avoid electric shock drowning risks around pools and marinas. Learn more.

"Reverse Renovations" with Jonathan Scott: What would life look like without safety standards? Join home renovation expert Jonathan Scott for Reverse Renovations a creative, thought-provoking take on the importance of codes and standards in our everyday lives. Learn more.

Stakeholder Meeting: Preventing Child Burns

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 8am-2pm CT, Hosted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Join in-person or virtually to discuss strategies to reduce child burns. Register here

Call for Proposals: NFPA Conference & Expo®

Event: June 22–24, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV

Have a great idea or research to share? Submit your proposal Deadline: September 9, 2025

Fire Prevention Week™:

October 5–11, 2025: This Year’s Theme: "Charge into Fire Safety™ – Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home"

This year’s FPW™ campaign focuses on raising awareness about the safe use of lithium-ion batteries. It’s critical to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely to prevent fires and injuries. Promote your events using free customizable event flyers – just add your event details and post them in your community or online. Flyers are available in English, Spanish, and French in the Printable Toolkit. Browse the official FPW catalog for age-appropriate products and messaging, including resources for children.

Mark Your Calendar: National Injury Prevention Day: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Stay tuned for more updates as Sparky the Fire Dog visits children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada to raise awareness around injury prevention.

Web sites

Sparky

Sparky Schoolhouse

Steps to Safety

NFPA Home Fire Safety

Social Platforms

Facebook: https://www facebook com/SparkyTheFireDog

Twitter: https://twitter com/Sparky Fire Dog

YouTube: https://wwwyoutube com/@nfpakids

LinkedIn: https://www linkedin com/groups/4636446

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfpadotorg

Wouldyouliketo receivethis informationdirectly?

tEmailtheNFPACRR eamatCRR@nfpa.orgtobeaddedtothe invitation&updateslist

POSTPARTUM AWARENESS BRACELETS

FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

More than 60% ofmaternal deaths in Alabama are preventable, and half of those deaths happen within 6 weeks postpartum.

Look for the Postpartum Awareness and Pregnancy/Infant Loss Bracelets

2 BRACELETS - 1 GOAL: SAVE ALABAMA’S MOTHERS

Ask all women ages 15-45 if they have been pregnant in the last 6 weeks

Tell the Emergency Department staff if patient has recently been pregnant

POSTPARTUM AWARENESS/ I JUST DELIVERED

Given to every patient after delivery.

PREGNANCY/INFANT LOSS

Given to every patient who experiences a pregnancy or infant loss.

Alabama Power: First Responders Safety Event

DATE

TIME:10:00 AM–11:00 AM OR 2:00 PM-3:00 PM

LOCATION: Southern Union Community College

301 Lake Condy Road

Opelika, AL. 36801 : September 16, 2025 (Two Sessions Offered)

Free Training Events:

Beds to Bundles: The Flexibility of Stretching Hoselines

Clanton, AL | August 12 | 6-9pm

Leadership & Tactics

Jacksonville, AL | August 20 | 8:30am-4:30pm

Through our partnership, the Alabama Fire College provides certificates of completion to attendees of our training events.

Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains

August16:BasicsofFireChaplaincy www alfirechaplains org/Basics

August28:FoundationsofEmergencyService Chaplaincy:NavigatingYourRoleEffectively www.alfirechaplains.org/Opelika

AUGUST29:UnderstandingFirefighterStressand FamilySurvival www.alfirechaplains.org/Stress

August30:EmergencyServicesChaplaincy:Crisis ResponseSkills&Self-Care www.alfirechaplains.org/Montgomery

NEW INVISIBLE DISABILITIES TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR AL FIRE FIGHTERS

A new training requirement for Alabama fire departments went into eect on January 1, 2025. All certified career and volunteer sta are required to complete training for invisible disabilities within six months of being certified and every other year after that. In order to complete this training, departments must sign up with KultureCity, the training provider.

This behavioral health awareness online course will educate students regarding: critical incident stress management & peer support signs & symptoms of behavioral & emotional distress beneﬁts of psychological support & education understanding mental health diagnosis & treatment suicide awareness

This course meets the prerequisite for the following courses: Fire Fighter I/II, Peer Support Member, TRP: Rope Awareness & Operations Rescue, & Volunteer Fire Fighter.

The training is completed online, and Kulture City is responsible for keeping the training current and providing the sensory kits as prescribed in the agreement that they will make with each department.

To contact Kulture City, please email alﬁrstresponder@kulturecity org

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE

Regional Services

www.alabamaﬁrecollege.org/regional

It’s our goal to extend training opportunities into every county in Alabama. To accomplish this objective, we have a network of regional coordinators to facilitate training at the local level. The regional sta is available to answer questions, set up training, and respond to the needs of ﬁre service across the state

REGION 1: Danny Southard dsouthard@alabamaﬁrecollege.org (256)434-0459

REGION 2: Mike Hill mhill@alabamaﬁrecollege.org (256)590-6647

REGION 3: Skip Kittrell skittrell@alabamaﬁrecollege org (205)960-2793

REGIONS 4 & 7: Rudy Rooks rrooks@alabamaﬁrecollege.org (256)463-8469

REGION 5: Je Roberts jroberts@alabamaﬁrecollege.org (205)292-5531

REGION 6: Baine Vaughn bvaughn@alabamaﬁrecollege org (334)301-2491

REGION 8: Je Ludlam jludlam@alabamaﬁrecollege org (251)680-7883

REGIONS 9 & 10: Dwayne Yelder dyelder@alabamaﬁrecollege.org (334)549-3692

Reid Vaughan, Section Chief (205)343-7414 rvaughan@alabamaﬁrecollege org

Distance Learning

Kelli Southard, Coordinator ksouthard@alabamaﬁrecollege.org

Get Alarmed, Alabama!

Jonathan Ledbetter, Program Manager smokealarms@alabamaﬁrecollege.org www.alabamaﬁrecollege.org/smokealarms

High School Career-Tech Programs

Jennifer Gonzales, Training Specialist jgonzales@alabamaﬁrecollege.org www.alabamaﬁrecollege org/careertech

Tuition-Free Training for EMTs & Paramedics

Jeerson County is taking bold steps to address a critical need in its emergency medical services (EMS) sector. To help meet this challenge and strengthen the EMS workforce, the Jeerson County Commission, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Alabama, is oering a tuition-free training program for individuals pursuing certiﬁcation as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), and Paramedics.

Addressing the EMS Shortage

The shortage of qualified EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in Jeerson County has been a growing concern, made worse by the demands of the COVID-19 crisis With emergency medical professionals working tirelessly on the front lines, the need for new recruits has never been greater. This new initiative oers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in entering the EMS field, ensuring that Jeerson County has a steady pipeline of qualified, trained personnel ready to serve the community.

The cost of tuition and necessary supplies will be covered for eligible individuals. This scholarship program is available for those who live in Jeerson County or work in Jeerson County in the EMS field, and are admitted into an EMS program at Alabama Fire College Programs include training for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics This initiative is designed to help reduce financial barriers for prospective EMS professionals and accelerate their path to certification and employment.

Who is Eligible?

To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be 18 years or older

High School Graduate or GED holder

U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident

Resident of Jeerson County OR employed in the EMS ﬁeld within Jeerson County

Must be enrolled in one of the following Alabama Fire College EMS programs: Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), or Paramedic Program

Funding and Support

This workforce development initiative is supported, in part, by federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Jeerson County Commission received a federal award (SLFRP1176) to help fund this important program, which is a vital part of the county's ongoing recovery eorts from the pandemic.

VOLUNTEER RESCUE STUDENT TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

INCLUDES ALL THREE LEVELS: EMT, ADVANCED EMT, & PARAMEDIC

Each year, emergency medical service agencies in Alabama hire more than 300 Emergency Medical Services Personnel (EMSP)s to oer life-saving support to their communities In addition to these paid openings, the more than 900 volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in Alabama also rely on certified and committed EMSPs to meet their community needs. The State of Alabama created the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Reimbursement Program (Act 2018-524) in 2018 and modified the program in 2023 (Act 2023-353). The legislation allows for students who obtain their EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic certification from an Alabama Community College, the Alabama Fire College, or the University of South Alabama to be reimbursed their tuition costs for the training.

COMMIT FOR TWO YEARS, GET REIMBURSED TUITION

HOW IT WORKS

1 Student submits program agreement & documents

2.ACCS reviews packet, complete, issues reimbursement* to College or Sponsoring Agency

3.College disburses reimbursement to student

(*All funding is based on availability)

In order to qualify for the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Program, the applicant must commit – and show veriﬁcation of a commitment – to at least two years of service to a volunteer ﬁre or rescue squad. This increases the worker’s experience and helps local communities.