AFC CLOSURES
Christmas & New Year holidays: December 24-January 1
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.’s Birthday: January 20
www.alabamafirecollege.org/events
FIRE SERVICE BRIEFING
January 14 @ 10 am
viaZoom
Join us to discuss upcoming events, issues, and statewide reports on topics impacting the fire service in Alabama. Anyone involved in the Alabama fire service is welcome! This online briefing occurs on the second Tuesday of the month. Visit www.alabamafirecollege.org/events for more information.
PERSONNEL STANDARDS & EDUCATION COMMISSION
Work Session: January 21 @ 12:30pm
Meeting: January 22 @ 9am
Personnel Standards & Education Commission work sessions and meetings are open for public attendance. Meetings dates and other information can be found at www.alabamafirecollege.org/commission.
FIRE CHIEFS CONFERENCE
ISO Class: February 10
Conference: February 11-12
www.alabamafirecollege.org/conference
NFA WEEKEND
June 16-18
Save the date!
This behavioral health awareness online course will educate students regarding critical incident stress management and peer support, signs and symptoms of behavioral and emotional distress, the benefits of psychological support and education, understanding mental health diagnosis and treatment, and 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
Weekend Classes for Volunteer Fire Fighters
The following classes are offered to Alabama VFFs on a weekend-based schedule. Tuition is waived; student is responsible for books. Call 1(800)241-2467 to register.
Fire Officer I: January 11, 12, 25, 26
Fire Investigator: February 8, 9, 22, 23
Technical Rescue Personnel: Rope Rescue Awareness & Operations: March 8, 9, 22, 23
Technical Rescue Personnel: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician: April 12, 13, 26, 27
Fire Apparatus Operator: Mobile Water Supply: May 3-4
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I: June 7, 8, 21, 22
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II: July 12, 13, 26, 27
Fire Apparatus Operator: Pumper: August 9, 10, 23, 24
Fire Officer II: September 3, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, and 30; via Zoom.
NFA CLASSES
Best Practices in Community Risk Reduction: January 27-28
Decision Making for Initial Company Operations: March 8-9
Strategies and Tactics for Initial Company Operations: April 28-29
Preparation for Initial Company Operations: July 26-27
Youth Firesetter Program Manager: September 22-23
www.alabamafirecollege.org | 1.800.241.2467
Published 7-5-24. Subject to change. Visit our website for the most current info.
www.youtube.com/@AlabamaEMSChallenge
www.alabamafirecollege.org/emschallenge
www.alabamafirecollege.org/events
www.facebook.com/AlabamaEMSChallenge
Public Education News
Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. NFPA offers a wealth of information and resources to help minimize the likelihood of cooking, candle, Christmas tree, and decoration fires. Learn more at nfpa.org/winterholidaysafety. Visit Sparky.org for holiday-themed activities and resources for kids and families, including coloring sheets, hidden pictures, videos, and Kahoot! quiz games. Check out I SPY Winter + Fire Safety printable activity on sparkyshoolhouse.org.
Many people will be buying and gifting electronic devices that contain lithium-ion batteries. Help your community keep fire safety in mind when shopping. Download lithium-ion battery safety tips.
NATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING FOUNDATION
Upcoming Training Dates
Training in "The Burg" Fire Conference: 1/4 & 1/5 - Hattiesburg, MS
Instructors: Todd Edwards (Atlanta, GA), Anthony Rowett (Mobile, AL), Mickey Farrell (FDNY) Register
Initial Actions At Large Residential Structures: 1/28 - Mobile, AL (FREE)
Instructor: Jonathan Brumley (Denver, CO) Register
Cruel Intentions: 2/28 - Mobile, AL (FREE)
Instructor: Kyle Romagus (East Montgomery County, TX) Register
South Alabama Firefighter H.O.T. Weekend: 3/8 &3/9 - Fairhope, AL
Instructors: Jim McCormacl (FDTN), Bob Presselr (FDNY), Todd Edwards (Atlanta, GA), Anthony Rowett (Mobile, AL), Mickey Farrell (FDNY), Brandon Lewis (Atlanta, GA), Brandon Strickland (Decatur, AL), Joseph Petties (Mobile, AL), Enrique Bush (Mobile, AL), Tim Nagim (Escambia County, FL), Jeremy Donch (National Fire Radio), Jerry Herbst (Elkhart Brass) Register
Battery Safety: Holiday Shopping Advisory from the Power Tool Institute
submitted
by
Power Tool Institute
One week and counting. Holiday shoppers are decking the malls and power tools are sure to appear on some shopping lists along with an extra rechargeable battery or two. The Power Tool Institute (PTI), the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information, and education, has a few guidelines to help shoppers buy the right batteries for their tools.
Buy a battery that is made by the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as the tool, buy from a reputable dealer, and avoid on-line offers that seem too good to be true – because they probably are. OEMs design their tools, batteries, and chargers to work as a system, with proprietary control circuitry inside each piece that complements the other. Swapping out any component for one made by another OEM simply won’t work.
Watch out for counterfeit and knock-off batteries. It is virtually impossible for any knock-off battery to match the OEM battery. Pay close attention to the packaging because makers of these knockoffs sometimes use colors and typefaces similar to those of the recognized brands specifically to confuse buyers. They are often offered via online marketplaces at seemingly huge discounts – but buyers will end up paying in other ways. What are the risks? They vary. A knockoff or counterfeit
battery can exhibit poor performance and shorten tool life. It might overheat or fail completely. Even worse, the battery might burst, causing a fire or explosion that results in personal injury and/or property damage.
Lastly, after Christmas, new tool system recipients or those receiving replacement batteries will be discarding old systems and tired batteries. Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Most consumers know this. Some consumers might think, “no one will know, what can my one battery hurt.” Improper disposal can expose batteries to extreme heat, liquids, crushing, short circuits and other hazards that could cause potential fire hazards at waste-handling facilities and landfills, and contaminate the water supply. Lithium-ion batteries can burn explosively, a process called thermal runaway. Even a small lithium-ion battery can burn at more than two-thousand degrees.
Proper disposal is easy. Access the feature here: https://www.takechargeofyourbattery.com/dispos al/. Just enter your ZIP code and click “Go.” You will be taken directly to Call2Recycle®’s website and a customized list of appropriate disposal sites in your area.
For more information, contact PTI 216-241-7333 or pti@powertoolinstitute.com. On the Web: www.PowerToolInstitute.com and www.TakeChargeOfYourBattery.com.
Who is PTI: With the vision to unify and educate others about power tools, the Power Tool Institute (PTI) has established itself as the leading organization for building global understanding of power tools and for maintaining high standards of safety in the industry.
UPCOMING COURSE VACANCIES THROUGH MARCH 2025
Other classes may have availability; see website for up-to-date information.
UPCOMING COURSE VACANCIES THROUGH MARCH 2025
UPCOMING COURSE VACANCIES THROUGH MARCH 2025
CURRICULUM & CERTIFICATION
NFPA 1030 (In process)
These new programs roll out January 1, 2025!
Public Information Officer: Pilot completed August 2024
First Responder Inspector: New program, Pilot completed September 2024
Fire Inspector: New program, Pilot completed September 2024 Per ICC, the AFC partnership will continue to use the current process for the Fire Inspector courses
Fire Plans Examiner: Pilot completed October 2024
Fire and Life Safety Educator I and II: Pilot completed November 2024
Learn more:
www.alabamafirecollege.org/newsletters
NEXT UP:
NFPA 1010
Fire Support Person (new level)
Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II
Fire Fighter II (includes: Volunteer Fire Fighter, Fire Fighter I/II, Fire Fighter I/II Bridge, Fire Fighter I Recertification, Fire Fighter Reciprocity)
Marine Fire Fighter
Airport Fire Fighter
FEBRUARY 10-13
Fire Apparatus Operator courses: EVD, Pumper, Aerial, Mobile Water Supply, ARFF
NFPA 1081
Facility Fire Brigade courses
NFPA 1550
Fire Department Safety Officer: Health and Safety Officer
Fire Department Safety Officer: Incident Safety Officer
www.alabamafirecollege.org/conference
You know the direction you want to go to pursue a meaningful career in emergency medicine or the fire service. We want to see you achieve that goal.
Although the Alabama Fire College does not offer scholarships or financial aid, we have compiled resources that may assist with funding your education. Scan the QR code to visit our webpage dedicated to outside resources.
Disclaimer: The opportunities listed on the webpage do not serve as an endorsement or advertisement of any program or entity. While we strive to provide accurate information, the details of these external scholarship opportunities may change without notice. Users are encouraged to verify the validity and current status of any scholarship before applying. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
We also strongly encourage you to verify with the specific scholarship entity that the Alabama Fire College would qualify for the award. Scholarships marked with a red verification badge have been confirmed by our staff as an approved educational institution by the awarding entity.
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Commission, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Alabama, is offering 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 Jefferson 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 offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in entering the EMS field, ensuring that Jefferson County has a steady pipeline of qualified, trained personnel ready to serve the community.
Thanks to the partnership between the Jefferson County Commission and the United Way of Central Alabama, the cost of tuition and necessary supplies will be covered for eligible individuals. This scholarship program is available for those who live in Jefferson County or work in Jefferson 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:
Be a legal U.S. resident, 18 years or older
Live in Jefferson County OR be employed within the county in the EMS field
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be currently enrolled in an EMS program at Alabama Fire College
Complete a scholarship application
Funding and Support
This workforce development initiative is supported, in part, by federal funds through the U S Department of the Treasury The Jefferson County Commission received a federal award (SLFRP1176) to help fund this important program, which is a vital part of the county's ongoing recovery efforts 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 offer 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.
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.
