Frequently asked Questions

• Fire House Training

The Suffolk County Fire Academy has developed firefighter training courses which can be delivered at local fire stations. In addition, there are a number of specialized programs that can only be delivered at the Academy complex in Yaphank.

Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. During the year there are a number of dates on which no training classes are conducted. Please check with the Academy office to determine these dates.

• What you should consider when scheduling training courses at your fire house:

A successful program can only be achieved when the learning environment supports the student. Please note: The following items should be considered when scheduling a training class:

• Do you have a classroom area that will accommodate the number of students you anticipate?

• Does the area you have selected provide the proper environment for an effective learning experience (adequate lighting, ventilation, room temperature)?

• Can you provide a blackboard, projection screen, VCR, chairs, tables or desks?

• Are there any scheduled activities at the fire station that may conflict with the training session?

• Can you assign a department officer to be present at the training session to assist the Academy instructor?

• All manuals must be picked up by the Host Department at the Fire Academy Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. prior to the start of the first session.

• There is a minimum of 15 students to be in attendance at the first session to run a course, except where stated for certain courses, or the entire course will be cancelled.

• How to schedule a training session:

Please contact the Fire Academy office at (631) 924-6822, ext. 200, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will discuss your training needs and determine whether a program can be provided. If we agree on a program, a written confirmation indicating the date and time of the training session will be mailed to you.

• What is the recommended time to start a training session?

Training sessions are generally 3 hours in duration. We have determined that it is best to start evening classes between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, a start time of 10:00 a.m.

Please note the specific requirements regarding the starting time for Hazardous Materials Operations courses, Confined Space Rescue courses and Intermediate Rope Rescue courses. Details can be found in the individual course descriptions that follow.

• Multiple Session Courses

The Fire Academy offers a number of courses that are set up in a multiple session format. We realize that the 'free' time available to volunteer firefighters is very limited and often presents a problem for individuals desiring to attend multi-session programs. The Fire Academy's multiple session programs are designed upon the "building block" principle; they follow a logical progression of integrated topics. A student should attend these training sessions in proper sequence.

It is also recommended that this type of course be scheduled on a weekly basis. Extending the duration of a particular course over months acts as a deterrent to the motivated student.

• Attending classes at other fire department locations:

Students who have decided to attend training sessions at locations other than their own fire department are advised to contact the host department on the date of a particular class to determine if there have been any changes in the course schedule.

In certain courses there are restrictions on the number of students who participate in the training session. We recommend that students contact the Fire Academy to ascertain whether restrictions apply to the intended training course they are seeking to attend at a location other than their own department.

• What to do when you need to CANCEL a training session:

Please call the Fire Academy office at (631) 924-6822, between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, whenever you find it necessary to change the date or cancel a scheduled training session. We ask that whenever possible, you contact us well in advance so that we can make the appropriate notifications to our staff or students who may inquire.

Please refer to the attached Charge-Back Procedure Policy with regard to canceled classes.

• Who can attend Fire Academy training sessions?

Persons desiring to attend training classes conducted by the Fire Academy must be a bona fide member of a volunteer fire or ambulance departments. There are no programs offered for peripheral groups affiliated with volunteer fire departments. The test as to who may attend is simple. A person needs to be covered under the "Volunteer Fireman's Benefit Law" (VFBL) before they can participate in our training programs.

Persons or groups who do not meet this requirement should contact the Fire Academy directly to discuss their particular situation.

• What is expected of students who attend training given by the Fire Academy?

Students are expected to be present at the beginning of each class. Attendance is taken at each training session. The Fire Academy Instructor will make the sole determination on whether a student receives credit for attending a particular training class.

Persons attending training classes are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. They are required to follow the directions of Fire Academy Instructors. Persons exhibiting behavior, which is disruptive or disturbing to their fellow students, will be asked to leave the training session.

• How do I obtain a test score upon taking a written exam?

The Vocational Education and Extension Board has established the following policy:

• Any course culminating in a written test requires the student to attend all classes prior to taking said test.

• Results of written exams are not given verbally.

• Results of written exams will be mailed directly to the Chief of the department for the member in question.

Written exams are received at the Fire Academy office within one week after the exam is given. They are graded and the results are entered in our records. A written notification is then sent as indicated in approximately 15 business days.

• Alcoholic Beverages

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in any Fire Academy training session.

Updated 06/01/2006