Alabama’s fire service is composed of both career and volunteer firefighters There are 68 paid departments, 118 combination departments (which may only have one paid member, and the remainder are volunteers), and 980 volunteer departments The career departments are staffed by approximately 8,500 certified firefighters, more than 10,000 certified volunteer firefighters and an untold number of noncertified volunteer firefighters All with the honorable goal of protecting lives and property in their communities The Alabama Fire College provides the opportunity for every firefighter in Alabama to hone their skills at our main campus in Tuscaloosa, with our 23 partner fire departments that serve as Regional Training Centers, or at their home departments using our mobile training props, curriculum, training, testing, and certification services. Alabama Fire College programs meet or exceed nationally recognized National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA). The Alabama Fire College is amongst the leaders in fire service training in the U.S. as we are accredited by ProBoard and IFSAC to 74 levels and our EMS program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Emergency Medical Service Programs (CoAEMSP).
Thanks to the support the Alabama Fire College receives from the state legislature, from our Personnel Standards and Education Commission, and the fire service in general, for the past eight years we have sustained a positive upward trajectory of growth We have trained and certified more firefighters from both within and outside Alabama than ever before, the student success rates in fire programs continue to increase, and our EMS programs have the highest pass rates compared to all other academic institutions in the State of Alabama Our staff have cultivated a culture of excellence, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to service, all of which have contributed to the incremental growth of our programs and our progressive success All this coupled with the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook cites a 6% growth rate for EMS personnel and 4% growth rate for firefighters.
The purpose of this letter is to make you aware of our need to expand our campus facilities. We have no vacant office space. Staff in Registration, Finance, Training, and Facilities share offices.
Registration and Training have moved into two classrooms because there is insufficient office space to accommodate them. On Fridays, our Testing/Certification staff must deploy up to one hundred laptop computers in our auditorium, test the students, then stow the computers when testing is complete This is an inefficient and ineffective use of taxpayer resources as well as frustrating for staff knowing there is no end in sight to this task Because of the success of our on-campus and distance delivery EMS courses, these programs continue to grow As such EMS needs additional office space, skills testing labs, and classroom space These issues could be remedied by constructing a new facility on the Alabama Fire College campus and repurposing existing space
We have conducted a gap analysis and found that the Alabama Fire College needs additional office space, additional classroom space, a dedicated EMS testing lab, new dormitory rooms for instructors, and a dedicated testing facility so that we provide the highest level of training and preparedness possible that our first responders deserve and have come to expect. New facilities will solidify the foundation of our continued growth, generate additional revenue through meals, lodging, and tuition locally as well as at our 22 partner regional training centers located throughout the state, allow us to maintain our position of prominence as one of the premier fire service training institutions in the U.S., and enable us to expand our capabilities to achieve greater milestones.
Lathan Architects has estimated that this project will cost approximately $18M I would like the opportunity to discuss a cost share for this project with you Alabama’s fire service is in debt to you for your unwavering support and advocacy for the Alabama Fire College If you have questions about any of the items cited above, please do not hesitate to contact me
Respectfully,
Matt Russell Executive Director
Justification for Constructing a New Testing Facility
1. Addressing Increased Demand
The rise in student enrollment and an increase in test administrations necessitate expanded infrastructure to accommodate growing testing needs
The Fire College is statutorily obligated to conduct training, certification, and testing, requiring sufficient space and resources to fulfill its mission effectively.
2. Operational Efficiency & Workflow Improvements
A dedicated testing facility will enable a more efficient workflow for certification and testing personnel by streamlining test administration processes
The segregation of certification and testing staff from general office operations will enhance focus, reduce disruptions, and improve task specialization.
3. Improved Testing Environment & Security
A distraction-free testing environment will ensure students can complete assessments without unnecessary interruptions
The facility will provide a secure space for test materials, reducing the risk of breaches and maintaining the integrity of the certification process.
4. Consolidation of Testing Operations
A centralized location for various certification programs will enhance coordination and reduce logistical inefficiencies
The reallocation of resources from shared office spaces to a dedicated facility will allow staff to focus on more tangible tasks that directly contribute to certification and testing success.
5. Adaptation to Changing Testing Needs
The increase in web-based testing requires an infrastructure that supports modern technology, secure computer stations, and reliable internet connectivity
A specialized space will allow for future expansion and upgrades, ensuring that testing remains aligned with industry standards.
Conclusion
Constructing a new testing facility will enhance efficiency, security, and the overall testing experience, supporting the Fire College’s mission while ensuring compliance with statutory obligations
We offer three levels of emergency medical technician: EMT (in-person or online), Advanced EMT (inperson or online), and Paramedic, plus a Critical Care Academy Additionally, we support initiatives like a sports responder class and a continuing education program (EMS Challenge) The Alabama Fire College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www caahep org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). We take pride in making sure our students are prepared to pass certification exams for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Our paramedic program has an impressive 92.9% graduation rate, with graduates quickly finding employment in EMS. Our graduates serve the public in EMS, fire service, law enforcement, and hospitals.
Justification for Additional EMS Facilities
1. Insufficient Lab Space
The current lab space is no longer adequate for the growing EMT and Paramedic class sizes.
Critical skills evaluations, including ITLS, TCCC, and NREMT Comprehensive Skills Evaluations, require dedicated, well-equipped lab space to ensure high-quality training and certification
2. Classroom Space Limitations
While distance learning is expanding, many students still require in-person instruction for hands-on training and periodic assessments
Traditional EMT classes have reached capacity, and the current classroom size cannot accommodate future growth
3. Office Space Shortages
The EMS Division has four full-time staff, with no remaining office space for current or future growth
One office was converted from a medical supply closet, while two others are too small for private student discussions.
As EMS continues to expand, the lack of office space will hinder operations and student support.
4. Lack of Adequate Storage
The EMS Division is out of usable storage space, impacting accessibility and organization.
Medical supplies are stored in inconvenient locations, including:
A room only accessible through a classroom, limiting access during classes
A space behind the auditorium, reducing availability
HVAC rooms, which are not appropriate for medical supplies and paperwork storage
5. Rescue Truck Accessibility Issues
The rescue truck is housed 675 feet (225 yards) away from EMS offices and the lab, making it difficult to access in emergencies
Training logistics are impacted, as EMS classes occur at night, requiring students to move between two locked buildings, often in poor weather conditions.
6. Need for a Dedicated Medical Treatment Area
The EMS Division provides routine medical care for students in physically demanding programs (Recruit School, Smoke Diver, Structural Collapse). Currently, medical treatment takes place in the lab, which: Lacks privacy, creating less-than-ideal conditions for both students and staff. Interferes with lab usage, reducing efficiency and proper medical care.
Conclusion
Expanding EMS facilities will improve training conditions, operational efficiency, storage capacity, student support, and emergency medical response capabilities With continued program growth, these enhancements are essential for maintaining quality education, student success, and compliance with industry standards
Proposed EMS & Testing Facility
2ND FLOOR: TESTING
1ST FLOOR: EMS
Estimated Construction Cost
Estimated Budget
Ambulance Bay: 1,850 sq.ft. x $450/sq.ft. = 832,500.00
$ 832,500.00
New Building: 34,000 sq.ft. x $400/sq.ft. = 13,600,000.00 $ 14,000,000.00
Renovation: 1,000 sq.ft. x $250/sq.ft. = 250,000.00
Estimated Furniture Cost
Exterior and Misc.
Site Prep, testing (TTL), permits, utlity connections
Proposed Cost Share: State of Alabama $ 10,000,000.00 (55%) Alabama Fire College $ 3,083,500.00 (17%) Federal government $ 5,082,500.00 (28%) $ 18,166,000.00 (100%)
Facility Space Issues
Currently two classrooms in the administration building are being used as four-person office spaces. Three offices upstairs are shared by multiple employees. Maintenance and storage closets are converted into office spaces as needed.
Classroom currently shared by Registration (4 staff members)
Classroom currently shared by Training (4 staff members)
Office currently shared by Logistics (2 staff members)
