Fire Protection Technology (A.A.S.)

For over 40 years, the OCC Fire Protection Technology Program has been preparing students for careers in fire and emergency services.

Every year, fire departments in the United States respond to more than 29 million calls for help.  The fire service is continually evolving. In addition to fire suppression, modern fire departments also respond to emergency medical incidents, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous material spills, technical rescue incidents, and more.

The objective of this program is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to handle the challenges and demands of the modern fire service.  Conditions can change quickly at emergency scenes, requiring swift action and irrefutable expertise to lead the response.  Students in this program are taught the latest in hazard recognition, response and mitigation strategies, tactical operations, search and rescue, incident command, leadership, administration, and resource management.  The coursework progressively moves the student toward increasing problem-solving and sophisticated leadership competencies.

In addition to the A.A.S. degree, students in the program can earn several firefighting certifications through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).  These certifications are recognized by fire departments throughout the United States and will help to ensure that graduates are ready to enter the workforce.  Onondaga Community College is the only IFSAC-accredited entity in all of New York State.

A “bunk-in” program has been established for those students who live outside Onondaga County who enroll in the Fire Protection program. Students are given free housing in one of the 13 participating local fire stations. While living there, they can respond to emergency calls, and participate in training and drills.

The OCC Fire Protection Technology program is one of just a few programs in the United States to hold the National Fire Academy’s Fire and Emergency Services (FESHE) certification.  This prestigious certification is an acknowledgement that our degree program meets the minimum standard of excellence established by professional development committees and the National Fire Academy.

Scholarships are periodically available through various organizations, offering financial assistance for fire protection students.

Mission Statement

The mission of the OCC Fire Protection Technology Program is to provide the highest quality training and education for current or aspiring fire and emergency service professionals.  Through the application of nationally-recognized training and educational standards, students will be prepared for entry into jobs dealing with the protection of life and property from catastrophic events.  

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate efficient and effective oral and written communication skills.
2. Recall and apply selected standards on which fire and emergency services practices are based.
3. Think critically about problems (emergency and non-emergency), and carefully identify and implement solutions.
4. Apply intervention techniques and procedures necessary to protect life and property in an emergency situation.
5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of fire behavior, building construction, and other sciences that affect the provision of fire protection.

Firefighter I & II Information

Students that take FPT 111 /FPT 111L   Firefighter I and FPT 112 /FPT 112L  Firefighter II as elective choices are required to have medical clearance to perform duties of an interior firefighter. If students decide to take these courses, the department will provide a packet of information necessary to register for these courses. Students will also be responsible for transporation to the field experience sites and training facility locations associated with these courses.