Photo courtesy of Mobile Fire-Rescue Recruit School
To: Proctors, Monitors, and Instructors
From: Matt Russell, Executive Director
Date: March 26, 2025
Subject: Use of Volunteer Certification Course Wage Type
In 2024, the State provided Alabama Fire College with a special appropriation of an additional $200,000 to support volunteer firefighter certification training To ensure proper accounting of these funds, it is imperative that all proctors, monitors, and instructors use the appropriate volunteer course job code when logging e ort related to volunteer firefighter certification training (89-Volunteer Lead Instructor, 90-Volunteer Assistant Instructor, 91-Volunteer Proctor/Monitor, and 92-Volunteer Prop Operator).
Accurate tracking of these expenditures is essential for compliance and continued funding. Please ensure that work specifically for volunteer firefighter certification training is recorded under the designated job code. Failure to do so could impact our ability to fully utilize these funds, report expenditures correctly, and secure additional funding of this type in the future.
If you have any questions regarding the appropriate use of this wage type, please contact Reid Vaughan at rvaughan@alabamafirecollege.org.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued commitment to training Alabama’s firefighters.
Respectfully,
Matt
mrussell@alabamafirecollege org
NFA RECOGNIZES MORE AFC COURSES AS PREREQUISITES
Y0101 Fire Instructor I (40 hrs)
Y0102 Fire Instructor II (40 hrs)
Y0201 Fire O icer I (40 hrs)
Y0202 Fire O icer II (40 hrs)
Y0552 Public Fire & Life Safety Educator (40 hrs)
Y0654 Apparatus Operator – Aerial (40 hrs)
Y0655 Apparatus Operator – Pumper (40 hrs)
Y0701 Fire Investigation Fire Origin & Cause Determination (40 hrs)
Y0705 Fire Inspector I (40 hrs)
Y0706 Fire Inspector II (40 hrs)
Y1200 First Responder Inspector (32 hrs)
Y1201 Fire Inspector (80 hrs)
Y1202 Fire Plans Examiner (40 hrs)
Y1203 Fire & Life Safety Educator I (24 hrs)
Y1204 Fire & Life Safety Educator II (24 hrs)
Y1205 Fire Investigator (40 hrs)
Y1206 Advanced Fire Investigator (40 hrs)
Y1207 Active Shooter/Hostel Event Response (ASHER) (8 hrs)
Y1208 Emergency Vehicle Driver (16 hrs)
Y1209 Honor Guard (24 hrs)
Y0465 NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate IS for Expanding Incidents (21 hrs)
Y0467 NIMS ICS 400 Adv. ICS Command & General Sta Complex Incidents (15 hrs)
Y1210 Strategy & Tactics for Small Fire Departments (40 hrs)
Y1211 Airport Fire Fighter (44 hrs)
Y0101 Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I (40 hrs)
Y0102 Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II (40 hrs)
Y1212 Fire & Emergency Services Instructor III (40 hrs)
Y0654 Fire Apparatus Operator – Aerial (40 hrs)
Y1213 Fire Apparatus Operator: Mobile Water Supply (16 hrs)
Y0655 Fire Apparatus Operator – Pumper (40 hrs)
The National Fire Academy (NFA) has expanded its recognition of courses from the Alabama Fire College (AFC) as valid prerequisites for its oncampus programs. This means that more AFC certifications such as Fire O icer, Fire Instructor, and Hazardous Materials training can now be used to meet eligibility requirements for NFA courses. This development benefits Alabamabased firefighters and emergency responders by providing a more accessible pathway to advanced federal training without the need to retake similar courses.
Y1214 Fire Department Safety O icer: Health & Safety O icer (40 hrs)
Y1215 Fire Department Safety O icer: Incident Safety O icer (40 hrs)
Y1224 Live Fire instructor/Live Fire Instructor-in-Charge (32 hrs)
Y1225 Marine Fire Fighter (40 hrs)
Y1226 Public Information O icer (24 hrs)
Y1227 Public Safety Telecommunicator I/II (24 hrs)
Y1228 Rapid Intervention Crew Member (40 hrs)
Y1229 Certified Volunteer Firefighter (160 hrs)
What are “Y codes”?
“Y Codes”are special course numbers used by the National Fire Academy to recognize training classes taught outside their main campus. These codes help keep track of what the classes are, where they’re taught, and who takes them. They make sure the training meets the same standards as classes taught at the academy. AFC students will be informed by the instructor of the class on the process to request recognition from the NFA for approved classes.
2025 SKILLSUSA STATE FIREFIGHTING COMPETITION
Mobile Fire-Rescue Department hosted the SkillsUSA State competition in April. Students competed in various firefighting and EMS categories.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that prepares students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service fields. With over 300,000 members, it helps students build leadership, technical, and workplace skills through hands-on training and competitive events that mirror real-world job scenarios.
One of these events is the firefighting competition, designed for students aiming to enter fire and emergency services Participants are tested on practical skills like ladder raises, hose handling, CPR, knot tying, and equipment use, as well as written exams and interviews. The competition emphasizes safety, critical thinking, and teamwork—core traits of successful firefighters.
The 2025 Alabama SkillsUSA Firefighting Competition was held on April 22 at the Mobile Fire Training Academy
Nearly 30 students competed as part of the Alabama State Leadership and Skills Conference. With the theme “Ignite Your Potential,” the event gave top performers a chance to advance to the national championships in Atlanta, showcasing their preparedness and the value of skilled training in public safety Alabama’s top three competitors in the Firefighting category were: Camden Roberts, Garrett Buchner, and Bryant Pearce.
Photo courtesy of Mobile Fire-Rescue Department
Photo courtesy of Mobile Fire-Rescue Department
Elkmont High School junior Camden Roberts is an Explorer with Post 8817. Roberts recently took first place in the 2025 SkillsUSA State Firefighting Competition and is headed to the National competition in Atlanta this June. Following in the footsteps of his firefighter parents, he has already logged 140 training hours this year while progressing through Fire Fighter 160. Roberts also excels academically, plays in local honor bands, and races competitively in Junior drag racing. In 2024, he was named "Explorer of the Year" by the Limestone County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments Camden’s community is rallying behind Camden as he prepares for the national stage Those wishing to contribute to his journey can contact Chief Danny Southard at (256)434-0459
Camden ROBERTS Garrett
BUCHNER
Prattville High School senior Garrett Buchner is a student at the Autauga County Technology Center He recently earned second place at the SkillsUSA State Competition For over two years, he has served as a volunteer firefighter with the Millbrook Fire Department Garrett is also enlisted in the Air National Guard and is scheduled to leave for basic training in Fall 2025 Until his departure, he plans to work as much as possible at the Millbrook Fire Station to gain additional experience.
B yant
PEARCE
Smiths Station High School senior Bryant Pearce placed 3rd at the 2025 SkillsUSA competition and 2nd in 2024 Over the past year, Bryant has been serving with Smiths Station Fire & Rescue, gaining valuable hands-on experience and growing as a firefighter The experience has helped him prepare for the next step in his journey, joining a local fire department full-time He looks forward to continue doing what he loves and serving his community in a larger role
Alabama Power: First Responders Safety Event
DATE: June 17, 2025
TIME: 6:00 –7:00 pm CST/7:00–8:00pmEST
LOCATION: Alabama Power
3811 Opelika Road Phenix City, AL. 36867
Lectures @ 9am
Lunch @ 11am
Skills Lab @ 12pm
Attend the lecture in-person or via MS Teams for the same credit!
Visit our YouTube channel training opportunities!
www youtube com/@AlabamaEMSChallenge
www alabamafirecollege org/emschallenge
www alabamafirecollege org/events
www facebook com/AlabamaEMSChallenge
JOINTLY SPONSORED: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint partnership of The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (UABSOM), Alabama EMS Challenge, Alabama Fire College, and Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System The UABSOM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians UABSOM designates this regularly scheduled series for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity UABSOM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution
JUN 11 HOOVER JUL 23 SPRINGVILLE AUG 13 IRONDALE
SEP 10 SUMMERDALE
SEP 12 (ALL DAY) UAB MED SCHOOL (CADAVER LAB)
SEP 24 PRATTVILLE
OCT 8 CHELSEA OCT 22 TROY
SUMMER 2025
Fire O icer I
May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14
www.alabamafirecollege.org/o icer1
Fire O icer II
May 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, & 29
September 3, 9,12, 15,18, 24, 27, 30
www.alabamafirecollege.org/o icer2
Fire O icer III
June 2, 5, 11, 17, 20, 23, & 26
www.alabamafirecollege.org/o icer3
Fire O icer IV
August 4, 7, 13, 19, 22, 25, & 28
www.alabamafirecollege.org/o icer4
Fire & Life Safety Educator I
June 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, & 26
July 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, & 24
www.alabamafirecollege.org/educator1
Information regarding prerequisites & required materials will be located on the course information page on our website. If you have other questions, reach out to us at registration@alabamafirecollege.org or at 1(800)241-2467.
classes for Alabama Volunteer
Fire Fighters
What is a “webenhanced” class?
Web-enhanced classes take place via Zoom. If a class is project-based, no in-person attendance is required. If the class is completed by a cognitive test, the student will schedule an in person testing date via our website.
When will the classes meet?
Classes will meet online via Zoom from 6-10pm.
Who can attend?
Prospective students must be listed on an Alabama volunteer fire department roster Alabama.
What is the cost?
Tuition is covered by grant funding! The student is responsible for their books, which are available for purchase at www.afcbookstore.com
CURRICULUM + CERTIFICATION UPDATES
NFPA 1010, Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters (2024)
(prospected release: June 1, 2026)
Fire Fighter I
Fire Fighter II (All associated programs: Volunteer Fire Fighter, Fire Fighter I/II Recruit School, Fire Fighter I/II Bridge, Fire Fighter I Recertification)
Fire Support Person (new level)
Fire Apparatus Operator: Emergency Vehicle Driver, ARFF Driver, Mobile Water Supply, Pumper, Aerial
Marine Fire Fighter
Airport Fire Fighter
1 0 2 0
1 0 1 0 1 0 8 1
NFPA 1020, Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, Fire O icer and Emergency Medical Services O icer Professional
Qualifications (2025)
(potential release dates Fall-2026)
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I-III
Fire O icer I-IV
NFPA 1081, Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications (2024)
(potential release dates mid-2026)
Incipient
Advanced Exterior
Interior Structural Member Leader
Fire Department Safety O icer: Incident Safety O icer 1 5 5 0
NPFA 1550, Standard for Emergency Responder Health and Safety (2024)
(potential release dates mid-2026)
Fire Department Safety O icer: Health and Safety O icer
Website Updates and Seasonal Topics
Home Fire Sprinkler Week May 11-17, 2025 has launched a digital library to strengthen the understanding of sprinklers’life-saving benefits. Learn more.
Download printable fire safety books and stories for kids at sparkyschoolhouse.org. Take a look at the new Women in Firefighting Bundle. Play Sparky’s Puzzle Game at sparky.org.
Professional Development Opportunities and Conferences
Join us at the Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) Conference for a three-day program designed to address the unique challenges of delivering fire and life safety education in diverse communities. Learn strategies and insights from leading experts, connect with peers who share your commitment, and gain valuable, actionable skills to elevate your outreach e orts. Monday, June 16 – Wednesday, June 18 | Las Vegas, NV. Register today.
CRR Kitchen Table Zoom sessions: To receive the Zoom link for these free webinars, email CRR @nfpa.org to be added to the invitation & updates list.
Tuesday, May 20 at 1pm CST: Susan Gracia, the Sr. Associate Director of Data Literacy at Northeastern University. Dr. Gracia leads the creation and execution of a university-wide data literacy program where she develops data literacy learning opportunities designed to help foster data community across the university. She believes that data literacy is an essential life skill in today’s world and that organizations are better positioned to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an increasingly data-driven world when they invest in developing data literacy across their workforce. We will be talking about how her work closely aligns to challenges we face in CRR around buy-in for data-informed processes, boosting confidence and data-wrangling skills, and embracing data literacy as a pathway to innovative practice.
Tuesday, June 24 at 10am CST: Guest from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – Scotland. Assistant Chief Jonathan Henderson oversees Prevention, Protection, & Preparedness for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He will join us to discuss CRR similarities between Scotland and the U.S. and provide an overview of the strategy to drive community safety in his country.
Wednesday, July 23 at 1pm
CST: Guests from Orange County Fire Rescue. Sarah Mair, Public Education Specialist, Division Chief Kimberly Bu kin and team members will talk about their“beyond the schoolhouse”outreach and education initiatives that lean on data-informed processes and local coalitions and partnerships to build capacity They will also share about a strengths-based approach to build buy-in from operations crews who volunteer to participate in risk reduction activities and the role of training for firefighters interested in jumping into the education space.
Upcoming Sessions TBD: Spring Texas CRR Team & Eudora, Kansas Community Navigation Project
Important Dates
May 26: Closed for Memorial Day
June 10: Fire Service Briefing
June 19: Closed for Juneteenth
July 4: Closed for Independence Day
July 8: Fire Service Briefing
July 15/16: Commission Work Session / Meeting
August 12: Fire Service Briefing
September 1: Closed for Labor Day
September 4: Safety Summit
September 9: Fire Service Briefing
October 14: Fire Service Briefing
October 21/22: Commission Work Session / Meeting
November 11: Closed for Veterans Day
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
Subject to change. Visit www.alabamafirecollege.org/events for updated information.
2025 Training Opportunities
FAO = Fire Apparatus Operator FDSO = Fire Department Safety O icer FES = Fire & Emergency Services TRP = Technical Rescue Personnel
FAO: Pumper
FAO: Mobile Water Supply
FES Instructor I
FES Instructor II
Preparation for Initial Company Operations
TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician
On-Campus August 9, 10, 23, 24
On-Campus May 3-4
On-Campus June 7, 8, 21, 22
On-Campus July 12, 13, 26, 27
On-Campus July 12-13
books only AL VFF only
books only AL VFF only
books only AL VFF only
books only AL VFF only
none any
On-Campus November 3-7 none AL Career or VFF only
Youth Firesetting Program Manager On-Campus September 22-23 none any
Fire & Life Safety Educator I
Fire O icer I
Fire O icer II
Fire O icer III
Fire O icer IV
Web-Enhanced June 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26
books only AL VFF only July 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24
Web-Enhanced May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14
Web-Enhanced May 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29
books only AL VFF only
books only AL VFF only September 3, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, 30
Web-Enhanced June 2, 5, 11, 17, 20, 23, 26
Web-Enhanced August 4, 7, 13, 19, 22, 25, 28
books only AL VFF only
books only AL VFF only
2026 Training Opportunities
FAO = Fire Apparatus Operator FDSO = Fire Department Safety O icer FES = Fire & Emergency Services TRP = Technical Rescue Personnel
Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations
FAO: Mobile Water Supply
FAO: Pumper
FDSO: Health & Safety O icer
FDSO: Incident Safety O icer
FES Instructor I
FES Instructor II
Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon
Fire Investigator
HazMat/WMD: Technician
Preparation for Initial Company Operations
Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations
Supervising Emergency Medical Services
TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
NEW INVISIBLE DISABILITIES TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR AL FIRE FIGHTERS
A new training requirement for Alabama fire departments went into e ect 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
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
Register your department: www.kulturecity.org/apply-for-sensory-inclusivefirst-responder-certification/.
This course meets the prerequisite for the following courses: Fire Fighter I/II, Peer Support Member, TRP: Rope Awareness & Operations Rescue, & Volunteer Fire Fighter.
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
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
Je erson 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 Je erson County Commission, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Alabama, is o ering 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 Je erson 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 o ers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in entering the EMS field, ensuring that Je erson 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 Je erson County or work in Je erson 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 Je erson County OR employed in the EMS field within Je erson 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 Je erson County Commission received a federal award (SLFRP1176) to help fund this important program, which is a vital part of the county's ongoing recovery e orts 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 o er 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.
Firefighter Sport Volunteer Positions Include:
Must be able to continuously lift 40-50lbs for 3-4 hours
Prior experience with firefighting equipment is ideal
Competitions will be high-intensity and fast-paced
Setup & Tear Down
Specialized Specific Sport Roles
Volunteer Requirements:
Work a minimum of 4 shifts
(Most shifts are 3-5 hours long.)
Must be 16 years of age by 6/1/2025
All volunteers will be subject to a background check.
VOLUNTEER
The
Birmingham
2025 World Police & Fire Games
Volunteer Program is looking for 2,500+ volunteers to support a variety of assignments to contribute to the success of The Games. Volunteers will help make The Games an unforgettable experience for all who participate whether at a sport competition venue and other non-sport sites.
Volunteer
Registration
Timers
Counters
Results Runners
Specialized Specific Sport Roles
Setup & Tear Down
And, More!
Requirements:
Work a minimum of 3 shifts (Most shifts are 3-5 hours long )
Must be 16 years of age by June 1, 2025
All volunteers may be subject to a background check
