Aspiring firefighters will soon be able to receive advanced Alabama Fire College certified training in Tallassee.
Tallassee will become one of seven extension sites of the fire college offering “upper echelon” classes toward the end of July or beginning of August according to Tallassee Fire Chief Troy Mann.
“We are very excited about this opportunity, and we look forward to working with the college to provide training not only for ourselves, but for fire departments around the state,” Mann said.
He explained that the classes, requiring a minimum of Firefighter I status, will also benefit local agencies.
“This is an opportunity for the fire department to get our firefighters trained to a higher standard,” he said. “It also gives our firefighters the opportunity to teach some of the advanced classes and improve their teaching skills so they can be better instructors.”
In addition to local fire and rescue benefits Mann said the classes will benefit the local economy and funding for the TVFD.
“Fire college uses tuition just like any other college,” said Mann. “We have a great facility but it does cost money to maintain it. This will help ease that burden.”
Mann outlined the profit-sharing and local traffic benefits at the June 24 city council meeting.
“With 12 to 15 classes per year and 20 to 30 people per class, the program will bring people into Tallassee,” he said.
The council voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the Tallassee Volunteer Firefighters Association giving the city non-exclusive rights to use property owned by the association. This agreement was necessary to finalize the contract with the Fire College, which is unable to contract with a private entity like the TVFA. The council also approved the contract that will facilitate the partnership between city firefighters and the fire college to provide these training classes.
Overall Mann said he is excited to be a part of a program that is beneficial to the city and to firefighters across the Southeast.
Firefighters who complete the classes receive a certificate from the Alabama Fire College and the National Pro Board.
“Completion of the classes is recognized by the state of Alabama,” said Mann.
