Public Education Courses
Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I
This is an entry-level course that will prepare anyone who performs public education duties to present existing programs to all audiences. The course addresses fire prevention activities, the major causes of unintentional injury, characteristics of learning, evaluation of lesson plans, presentation methods, effective usage of audiovisual aids, dealing with the media and recordkeeping. This course meets the requirements of NFPA 1035, "Professional Qualifications for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I". Reference material is required for the class.
Training Prerequisites: None
Required Text: IFSTA Fire and Life Safety Educator 3rd Edition.
Other required materials: Curious George and the Firefighters, Fire Fighter by DK reader, Flat Stanley and the Firehouse, Going to the Firehouse.
Certification testing time: Requires an additional date for the certification written exam.
Class Hours: 32 Fire Marshal Credit: 24
Public Information Officer
This two-day course is designed to instruct participants in the basic methods for establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the news media. Fire department activities; including public fire education programs, man-made and natural disasters and emergencies, developing policies and training for dealing with the news media are essential. Discussion topics will cover: public disclosure laws; media relations; and news releases. Participants will learn the basics of preparing news releases, setting up press conferences, and the responsibilities of the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the scene of an emergency.
Students will participate in a briefing with reporters from media sources.
Training Prerequisites: None
Required Text: Jones and Bartlett Media Relations for Public Safety Professionals by Leo M. Brown.
Class Hours: 16 Fire Marshal Credit: 8
Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist
(formally known as Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist I)
The goal of the course is to provide the skills and tools necessary to become a Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist. The class will address the NFPA 1035 Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist including: Introduction; Primary Prevention; Identification and Intake; Who Sets Fires and Why?, Interviewing and Intervention Strategies. Students will be introduced to NPFA 1035 Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist Professional Standard. The individual will learn to conduct an interview with a firesetter and their family using prepared forms and guidelines. They will also learn who, based on recommended practice, may determine the need for referral for counseling and/or implement educational intervention strategies to mitigate effects of firesetting behavior.
This course is designed for individuals that have responsibilities related to Youth Firesetting Intervention, interviewing, and prevention. The target audience includes practitioners who interact with children who are involved in firesetting and/or arson behavior and their families. In addition to the fire service, professionals from a myriad of fields including Mental Health, Law Enforcement, Education, Counseling Services, and Social Services can benefit from the training.
Training Prerequisites: None
Required Text: IFSTA Fire and Life Safety Educator, 3rd Edition
Certification Prerequisite: Direct Entry
Certification testing time: requires an additional date for certification written exam.
Class Hours: 16 Fire Marshal Credit: 16
Youth Firesetter Program Manager
(formally known as Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist II)
The goal of the course is to provide the skills and tools necessary to become a Youth Firesetter Program Manager. The class will address the NFPA 1035 Youth Firesetter Program Manager Standard including: Identification and Intake; Coalition Building Support and Management; Budget and Funding; Development of a Juvenile Handbook, Resource Directory, Data Base, and Program Evaluation. Students will learn to develop and coordinate a child firesetting intervention program and the activities of Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialists. The course develops skills including interviewing and assessment, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
This course is designed for individuals that have or will have responsibilities related to the management and/or coordination of a Juvenile Firesetting Intervention program.
Training Prerequisites: Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist or Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist I
Required Text: IFSTA Fire and Life Safety Educator, 3rd Edition
Certification testing time: requires an additional date for certification written exam.
Class Hours: 16 Fire Marshal Credit: 8