The West Plains Fire Department is proud to announce the Fire Academy Class of 2021 and is scheduled to begin August 2nd, 2021. After 20 weeks of extensive testing, evaluation, and successful completion of State Firefighter I/II certifications, The Fire Academy Class of 2021 will be eligible to apply for part-time firefighter positions with the West Plains Fire Department or their local area fire department.
Training Officer Lt Wayne Cormier shared, “As lead instructor for the Fire Academy, I am excited to be able to offer this training to firefighters in and around West Plains. To bring the knowledge and certifications to the area will not only benefit the firefighters, but it will also benefit the communities they serve.”
The Fire Recruit Academy will begin on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 6:00 pm with a formal meeting describing the class and requirements. After completing months of extensive classroom and manipulative training, these recruits will have completed a rigorous regime that included fire ground operations, ladder evolutions, hose lays, auto extrication, rescue systems, firefighting, hazard materials, and ventilation practices. In addition, after successful completion, all recruits will be certified Firefighter 1 & 2 levels through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and IFSAC.
The West Plains Fire Department is looking for recruits with a variety of professional backgrounds, life experiences, and with current/past or no experience. Recruits must be willing to meet the challenge and eager in learning the requirements of being a firefighter. Recruits need to bring a passion for the fire service and serving the residents, visitors, and businesses of the community they represent.
“With this class, the West Plains Fire Department will add incredibly qualified firefighters who represent the best our City has to offer. It is our belief that they will thrive in this organization for many years to come”, Chief Clark added.
When asked, Assistant Chief Wilbanks had this to say, “Being a long-time member of the community as a firefighter, I have seen the struggles that our area has faced in acquiring trained personnel in firefighting tactics. I very am pleased to see that this opportunity has come to the front to help with training needs. Everyone possesses unique skill sets that will contribute to the overall success of West Plains Fire Department, surrounding departments and the communities that these members serve”.
The 20-week academy will be held on Mondays and Thursdays in the classroom at West Plains Fire Headquarters, located at 1901 Kissinger St, West Plains, MO. Practical Skills will be held on every other Saturday at the West Plains Fire Training Facility located at 1620 Girdley St, West Plains, MO. More information about the Fire Academy Class and registration forms, can be found at West Plains Fire Headquarters or contact Lt Wayne Cormier at 417-256-2424, wayne.cormier@westplains.gov
The Fire Academy Class of 2021 will be limited to 21 seats. At this time there will be no fees associated with attending the Fire Academy Class.
For more news, pictures, videos, and announcements of what’s happening with the West Plains Fire Department visit us at www.westplainsfd.org or follow us on Facebook.
