Fire Programs
Are you a firefighter who needs training, or are you interested in becoming a firefighter? Our fire training division offers fire and rescue training classes at fire departments in New Hanover and Pender counties. Classes to provide NC Fire and Rescue Certifications (through the NC Fire & Rescue Commission), courses for recertification, and courses in the latest technology are offered locally regularly.
Firefighter Academy
This academy is a comprehensive program that includes Firefighting I & II, Haz-Mat, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Mayday/Safety and Survival skills, and other vital information necessary for future firefighters. EMT-Basic is also offered as a separate course in conjunction with CFCC’s EMS department. For general information, please email smalloy@cfcc.edu or mcross@cfcc.edu .
Prerequisites
- A copy of CASAS Reading Goal of 249 or higher OR an official college transcript showing successful completion a college level English class within the past ten (10) years. For more information, go to the Placement Testing page.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by the start date of the academy.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Applicant must be a volunteer or employee of a fire department – each affiliated applicant must be sponsored by a fire department to participate in the academy. Sponsorship means that the applicant’s fire department 1) endorses the applicant to participate in the academy,
2) provides NFPA approved structural firefighting gear, and 3) shows proof that the applicant is covered by the sponsor fire department’s workers compensation insurance. If you are interested but not a member of a department, please contact us for more information. The fire department Sponsorship Form must be filled out and returned. - Applicant must provide a letter from their sponsoring department stating that they have had a criminal records/background check from the county in which the applicant resides.
- Securing lodging is the responsibility of the student. Information will be given regarding the necessary steps for this process.
Information for Accepted Students
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- Applicants will be notified by e-mail of acceptance.
- Once accepted, recruits will need to schedule a CFCC Firefighter Physical through Medac.
- Recruits will be required to provide their own textbook, Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response Fourth Edition (see below).
- Recruits needing lodging during the academy should finalize arrangements.
- A mandatory orientation session will be held on the first day of the Academy that covers the expectations of the program.
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CFCC Academy Uniform Requirements
Cape Fear Community College Firefighter Academy students are required to be in Academy uniform. This uniform consists of:
Black Shoes, Blue or Black BDU style pants, Gray Academy T-Shirt and/or Gray Academy sweatshirt depending on the weather. Uniform should be kept neat and clean for all classes. Shirts and Sweatshirts may be purchased at the CFCC bookstore in the McKeithan Center. See picture below:

Required Textbooks
Fire Ground – The Primary Objectives
Friday December 12 5:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday December 13 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday December 14 8:00am – 5:00pm
Class fee is $150.00
Pender County Firefighters Association Public Safety College
January 14-18, 2026
Patches

The Safety Training Center has a beautiful large display board where we place patches from the various departments who have come to train here at CFCC.
We would love to include your patch in our Parade of Honor! Please bring a patch the next time you attend our classes, and we will proudly display it.