SERVE. SHARPEN. SUCCEED. APRIL 2026
McAdory Fire Department hosted the EMS Challenge on April 8 at UAB West McAdory High School Health Sciences program participated, allowing their students to train alongside emergency medical professionals from all over Alabama Agencies that participated were: Alabama Fire College, Ameripro Health, Bessemer Fire Department, Central Alabama Training Solutions, DCH Hospital, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Forestdale Fire District, Irondale Fire Department, Jefferson State Community College EMS Program, Libscomb Fire Department, McAdory Fire Department, McCalla Fire Department, Northstar EMS, Talladega Superspeedway EMS, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, UAB Hospital, and Vestavia Fire Department, among others!
Alabama EMS Challenge offers free, physician-led continuing education sessions twice a month to Fire/EMS professionals, nurses, & doctors
Executive Director Matt Russell and Personnel Standards and Education Commission Chairman Scott Pilgreen recognize Fire College staff for outstanding efforts at the quarterly Commission meetings. In January, several members of the training staff were recognized for rendering aid to a student in medical distress: Chet Avery, Garren Callahan, Nathan Hines, Colin Kemmerer, Joseph Patton, Will McReynolds, Mark Robison, Josh Roe, Chase Smith, Chad Trautwein, and Adam Watley At April’s meeting, Jason Jackson was recognized for his dedication to strengthening the statewide firefighter recruit school program Congratulations to the excellent staff members recognized!
It is our goal to ensure that every student who attends a course at the Alabama Fire College has a highquality educational experience. At the same time, we recognize the importance of maintaining affordability for the student. There must be a careful balance between delivering outstanding training and managing costs responsibly. To continue providing excellent instruction while supporting efficient and effective organizational operations, periodic tuition increases are necessary.
Due to rising costs associated with obtaining common passenger vehicles for extrication training, tuition rates for these courses must increase. In the past, these vehicles were often available at no cost, which allowed tuition charges to remain as low as possible. However, depending on availability, the cost of acquiring training vehicles can now be as much as $450 each.
The cost of heavy vehicle extrication training must also increase because of the scope, complexity, and highly specialized nature of the course. This training requires additional personnel, equipment, and safety measures to ensure the safety of both students and instructors throughout the program.
I appealed this matter to the Personnel Standards and Education Commission, and the Commission concurred with this assessment. Accordingly, the following tuition changes have been approved:
Technical Rescue Personnel: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
Technical Rescue Personnel: Heavy Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician (This course is still in the pilot phase.)
Thank you,
David M. Russell Executive Director
Alabama natural gas pipeline operators, in cooperation with Alabama Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative and the Alabama Fire College, remind all fire marshals, investigators, fire departments, and law enforcement of the importance of immediate communication with the local gas operator during incidents involving natural gas.
Working together helps protect first responders, the public, and critical infrastructure.
When responding to an incident at a natural gas customer location, confirm that the gas operator has been contacted. If not, contact them immediately. This includes:
STRUCTURE FIRE
VEHICLE ACCIDENT
GAS LEAK OR ODOR OF GAS
PIPELINE DAMAGE
Early communication allows operators to:
Verify system integrity
Ensure gas flow is safely controlled P ovide technical expertise to incident command
ANY INCIDENT WHERE NATURAL GAS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICE MAY BE INVOLVED
Do NOT operate other gas system components!
Other components of the gas system should not be shut off by emergency personnel, including:
Curb valves
Street valves
Mainline shutoffs
Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters (2024) (Release date: June 1, 2026)
Airport Fire Fighter & Fire Apparatus Operator: ARFF Driver: IFSTA’s Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting, 7 Ed , ISBN# 9780879397821 th
Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Mobile Water Supply, Pumper: IFSTA’s Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4 Ed., ISBN# 9780879397623 th
Fire Fighter I & Fire Fighter II: IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 1, 8 Ed., ISBN# 9780879397180, and Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 2, 8 Ed , ISBN# 9780879398309 This change will also affect these courses: Volunteer Fire Fighter, Fire Fighter I/II Recruit School, Fire Fighter I/II Bridge, & Fire Fighter I Recertification. th th
Marine Fire Fighter: IFSTA’s Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters, 3 Ed., ISBN# 9780879396411 rd Fire Support Person (new level; prospected release TBA)
NFPA 1020, Standard for Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, Fire Officer & Emergency Medical Services Officer
Professional Qualifications (2025) (Potential release date: Fall 2026.)
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series I-III: Jones & Bartlett’s Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 4 Ed ISBN# 9781284301250 th
Fire Officer I and II: IFSTA’s Fire and Emergency Company Officer, 7 Ed. ISBN# 9780879397760 th
Fire Officer III and IV: Jones & Bartlett’s Chief Officer: Principles and Practice, 4 Ed. ISBN# 9781284317046 th
Live Fire Instructor / Instructor-in-Charge: (Textbook pending)
NFPA 1081, Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications (2024) (Potential release date: Summer 2026)
Incipient Facility Fire Brigade Member
Advanced Exterior Facility Fire Brigade Member
Interior Structural Facility Fire Brigade Member
Facility Fire Brigade Support Persons
Facility Fire Brigade Leader
NPFA 1550, Standard for Emergency Responder Health & Safety (2024) (Release date: June 1, 2026)
Fire Department Safety Officer: Health & Safety Officer: Jones & Bartlett’s Occupational Safety and Health in the Emergency Services, Revised 5 Ed., ISBN# 9781284309195 th
Fire Department Safety Officer: Incident Safety Officer: Jones & Bartlett’s Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 4 Ed., ISBN# 9781284172379
Published March 30, 2026.
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This year's first heatstroke death is a heartbreaking reminder that these tragedies can happen to anyone. Most parents and caregivers believe it could never happen to them, but in most cases, the child is left behind unknowingly. Our hope is that no other family has to experience this kind of loss. As warmer weather returns, so does the risk. Even on a mild day, the inside of a car can heat up by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. These tragedies can happen when it’s as cool as 57 degrees outside.
For heatstroke prevention tips, visit: www.safekids.org/heatstroke
www.alfirechaplains.org
April 11-12: Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy (Summerdale)
May 15-16: Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy (McCalla)
June 19-20: Group Critical Incident Stress Management (Greenville)
August 14-15: Assisting Individuals in Crisis Training Event (Muscle Shoals)
Advanced Fire Investigator
SEP 14-18
9-13
Airport Fire Fighter AUG 31-SEP 4 Muscle Shoals RTC
OCT 19-23 Ft Rucker RTC NOV 31-DEC 4 Muscle Shoals RTC
Alabama Fire & Life Safety Summit
Basic Extrication
SEP 10
APR 22 (8am-12pm or 1-5pm) SA Recycling (Birmingham)
APR 23 (8am-12pm or 1-5pm)
APR 24 (8am-12pm or 1-5pm) Fire & Life Safety Educator I JUN 3-5
28-30
15-17
Fire & Life Safety Educator II
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I
2-4
APR 20-24
JUN 6-28 (VFF)
JUL 20-24
SEP 28-OCT 2
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II APR 27-MAY 1
JUL 11-26 (VFF)
JUL 27-31
5-9
16-20
4-8
15-19
3-7
14-18
12-16
30-DEC 4
13-17
13-17
21-25
FAO: Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting
FAO: Mobile Water Supply
FAO: Pumper
FDSO: Health and Safety Officer
FDSO: Incident Safety Officer
Fire Fighter I/II
Fire Fighter II (8th Ed.) *Pilot*
Fire Inspector
Fire Investigator
Fire Officer I
Fire Officer II
SEP 5-6
Muscle Shoals RTC
OCT 24-25 Ft. Rucker RTC
DEC 5-6 Muscle Shoals RTC
APR 23-24
JUN 25-26
SEP 28-29
JUL 6-10
SEP 14-18
JUL 13-17
SEP 14-18
JUL 6-10
JUN 15-JUL 24 Anniston RTC
AUG 31-NOV 6 Albertville RTC
SEP 7-NOV 13
Anniston RTC
SEP 7-NOV 13 Muscle Shoals RTC
MAY 11-15
JUL 13-17 Anniston RTC
AUG 10-14
AUG 17-21 Huntsville RTC
OCT 12-16
NOV 30-DEC 4
OCT 5-9 Anniston RTC
DEC 7-11
27-MAY 1
27-31
5-9
4-8
3-7
12-16
16-20
AUG 10-14
AUG 17-21 Florence RTC
AUG 24-28 Opelika RTC
SEP 3-30
Fire Officer III JUL 6-10 Dothan RTC
SEP 21-25 Anniston RTC
OCT 19-23
OCT 26-30 Orange Beach RTC
NOV 2-DEC 2
Web-Enhanced NOV 30-DEC 4
JUN 1-25
JUL 13-17
JUL 27-31
AUG 3-27
AUG 17-21
Fire Officer IV MAY 18-22
AUG 24-28 Florence RTC SEP 28-OCT 2 Anniston RTC OCT 5-29
Web-Enhanced OCT 26-30
NOV 2-6
Beach RTC DEC 7-11
Fire Plans Examiner APR 20-24
RTC MAY 18-22
MAY 18-22
RTC AUG 24-28
19-23
Fire Support Person
First Responder Inspector
Hazardous Materials/WMD - Incident Commander
15-JUL 3
6-8
5-7
7-9
18-20
26-30
Hazardous Materials/WMD - Technician APR 11-MAY 3
NOV 16-21
Live Fire Instructor/Live Fire Instructor In Charge NOV 17-20
MAY 1-3 (VFF)
RTC OCT 19-23 Eufaula RTC
10-14
5-9
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
Information Officer
RTC
RTC
13-15
27-28
24-26
22-24
Safety Telecommunicator I/II JUN 8-10
RTC JUN 15-17
NOV 2-4
TRP: Cave Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician MAY 4-8
RTC AUG 31-SEP 4
5-9
RTC
TRP: Confined Space Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician
TRP: Rope Rescue Awareness & Operations
TRP: Rope Rescue Technician
TRP: Structural Collapse Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technician
TRP: Surface Water Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technici
TRP: Swiftwater Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technic
TRP: Trench Rescue Awareness, Operations
TRP: Watercraft Rescue Awareness, Operations, & Technic
TRP: Wilderness Search & Rescu Awareness, Operations, & Technic
APR 20-24 AFC
JUL 20-25 Prattville RTC
SEP 14-18 AFC
OCT 5-9 Shelby County RTC
OCT 19-23 Dothan RTC
AUG 17-21 Shelby County RTC
OCT 19-23 AFC
APR 11-26 (VFF) AFC
APR 13-17 AFC
APR 20-24 Shelby County RTC
APR 27-MAY 1 Prattville RTC
JUN 1-5 AFC
JUL 6-10 Albertville RTC
AUG 24-28 AFC
AUG 24-28 Ft. Payne RTC
OCT 26-30 AFC
OCT 26-30 Dothan RTC
APR 16-23 Huntsville RTC
JUN 22-24 Florence RTC
JUL 29 31 H t ill RTC
Join us for the upcoming CRR Kitchen Table!
Wednesday, April 22 @ 1pm CST: Are you hoping for a sneak peek of sessions that will run at the Spotlight on Public Education program at the NFPA Conference? We’ve invited SOPE speakers Catherine Gulledge and Meredith Herman to the Kitchen Table to share about their upcoming sessions. Catherine’s session is title“Think Differently, Teach Differently”will get you pondering your educational approaches and Meredith’s presentation on Battery Messaging will light us up, for sure. Bring your questions and ideas!
th
Thursday, May 14 @ 1pm CST: Fire Marshal of the Year, Tommy Demopoulos from Tamarac, FL will be at the Kitchen Table to talk about what CRR looks like in his community, how his team has been successful in moving the impact needle, and how important professional networking is for the CRR field Whether you ARE a Fire Marshal or if you would like some tricks for talking to your Fire Marshal about CRR, you’ll walk away from this session with new ideas.
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Would you like to receive this information directly? Email the NFPA CRR team at CRR@nfpa org to be added to the invitation & updates list
Wednesday, June 10 @ 1pm CST: Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Erin Stehle from Harrisonburg, VA will share how her team worked with a local college fraternity to elevate her CRR initiatives. If you are curious about clever community partnerships, this session will be a great one!
Join us at the Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) Conference for a three-day program focused on the solutions of delivering fire and life safety education in diverse communities. It’s a great way to experience the conference while learning practical strategies, connecting with peers, and gaining actionable skills to strengthen your outreach efforts. June 22-24 | Las Vegas, NV. Register today.
We would like to provide an update to all Alabama fire departments regarding the current status of NERIS participation as of Monday morning, April 13, 2026:
211,584 incidents have been reported into NERIS for Alabama since January 2025.
522 fire departments have submitted incidents into NERIS.
571 departments have completed the onboarding process and have no remaining requirements other than ongoing incident reporting.
276 departments remain in UNVERIFIED or UNCONFIRMED status. While incidents from these departments are accepted, their department information has not yet been reviewed or confirmed.
285 departments are currently listed as INACTIVE, meaning they have not registered or attempted onboarding This may be due to communication gaps, outdated contact information, or a decision not to participate at this time
We strongly encourage all departments to actively participate in NERIS reporting. Accurate and timely reporting not only supports your individual department but also benefits the entire state. NERIS data helps identify emerging risk areas, track fire fatalities, support statewide Community Risk Reduction initiatives, and ensure compliance with the Alabama Administrative Code, which requires all fire incidents to be reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office within 10 days.
By utilizing the NERIS platform, departments gain access to a digital dashboard that eliminates the need to manually review reports. This dashboard allows you to quickly view call volume, incident types, peak response hours, mapping data, response times, and a complete record of department incidents—all provided free of charge.
For additional information about NERIS, please contact the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office at (334) 241-4166 and ask for Special Agent Jebb Harrison, or email jebb.harrison@insurance.alabama.gov.
Thank you for your continued service and commitment to the Alabama Fire Service
Alabama Power First Responders Safety Event
DATE: May 19th, 2026
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Wiregrass Public Safety Center
100 Public Safety Way Dothan, AL. 36303
April 29: Alabama EMS Challenge (Albertville)
May 12: Fire Service Briefing
May 13: Alabama EMS Challenge (Mountain Brook)
May 15: AFFC’s Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy (McCalla, AL)
May 16: Alabama Association of Rescue Squads Quarterly Meeting (Decatur)
May 19: Alabama Power Safety Event for First Responders (Dothan)
May 19 - May 21: CMC School’s Arizona Vortex Workshop
May 25: Closed (Memorial Day)
June 4-8: Alabama NFA State Weekend Trip (MD)
June 9: Fire Service Briefing
June 12-13: AAVFD Annual Conference (Muscle Shoals)
June 19: Closed (Juneteenth)
June 19: AFFC’s Group Critical Incident Stress Management (Greenville, AL)
July 3: Closed (Independence Day)
July 14: Commission Quarterly Work Session
July 15: Commission Quarterly Meeting
August 2-5: AL Fire Chiefs Conference (Perdido Beach)
August 11: Fire Service Briefing
August 14-15: AFFC’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis Training Event (Muscle Shoals, AL)
August 15: Alabama Association of Rescue Squads Quarterly Meeting (Ft. Payne)
September 10: Alabama Fire & Life Safety Summit
This information is subject to change. Visit www.alabamafirecollege.org/events.
www.alabamafirecollege.org/ems
Emergency Medical Responder is the entry certification to the EMS profession. Students will learn skills and gain knowledge to provide immediate life-saving interventions useful prior to higher-level personnel arriving on scene.
Hybrid Course Options:
Instruction can be provided by an Intermediate EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic in a classroom.
Chapters on OLC already contain videos pre-recorded by a Paramedic instructor
Skills can be taught and checked by an EMT instructor
Students must:
Be at least 17 years old
Have a high school diploma/GED/transcript
Meet the Essential Functions of the EMR program
Obtain a CPR certification before course completion
Required Text: Jones & Bartlett’s Emergency Medical Responder: Your First Response in Emergency Care, 7 Edition (available online at www.afcbookstore.org) th
Cost: $100 In-State / $200 Out-of-State
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the textbook? Yes. The slides and videos do not cover all information that will possibly be on the final exam and the National Registry exam.
Do I need to come to campus? No. This course is a hybrid format. Students can learn in a classroom setting or on their own using paramedic-led videos. Classrooms are set up by departments, not the Alabama Fire College.
I have a certification in Fire Instructor I, can I teach this class? No. EMR is a National Registry certification, not a fire certification.
Do I need a CPR certification? Yes. Students will have to complete CPR training before class end or supply proof of existing CPR certification.
Are there clinical rotations? No. EMR is classroom and skills based only.
I have another question not listed here. Who can I contact? Contact Josh Roe, EMS Training Specialist, at 205-391-3775 or jroe@alabamafirecollege.org.
www aces edu/go/RussellSnakeTraining
ThejourneytoachievingcertificationasaFireSupportPerson(FSP)and VolunteerFireFighter(VFF)unfoldsthroughastructuredseriesofthree interconnectedcourses.Eachcoursebuildsonthepreviousone,integrating academiccoursework,onlinetraining,andpracticalskillsdevelopment.
CourseI(FireSupportPerson)
The path begins with Fire Support Person, open to individuals who are at least 18 years old and able to read and write in English. The required textbook will be IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8 Ed Coursework covers Chapters 16 and 1-15, with a required minimum score of 70% on the End of Subject (EOS) assessments In addition to the academic materials, participants must successfully complete a Fire Support Person Task Book. This course spans 70 hours and should be completed within 90 days. th
ToachievecertificationasaFireSupportPerson,additionalonline requirementsinclude:
NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 *
Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) courses *
Peer Support *
Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (HM/WMD) Awareness training *
*This online training can be conducted prior to entering Fire Support Person
Testing covers both cognitive and skills components Once successfully completed, individuals earn the Fire Support Person Certification and HM/WMD Awareness Certification.
CourseII(HazardousMaterials/WeaponsofMassDestructionOperations)
The next course is HM/WMD Operations, which delves deeper into hazardous materials response This course requires participants to be at least 18 years old and certified to the HM/WMD Awareness level Participants will complete 40 hours of training within 45 days. Testing covers both cognitive and skills components. Once successfully completed, individuals earn the HM/WMD Operations Certification.
CourseIII(CertifiedVolunteerFirefighter)
To achieve the Certified Volunteer Firefighter certification, candidates must complete the third course, which is skills-based and outlined in the CVFF/FFI Task Book. Prior to beginning this course candidates must have completed certifications in Fire Support Person, HM/WMD Awareness and HM/WMD Operations, and produce a valid Physical Statement (AFC&PSEC FORM-05). This intensive course demands 50 hours of preparation and assessment over a 90-day period Participants undergo Live Fire Skills Testing and CVFF/FFI Skills Testing, overseen by designated test teams Upon successful demonstration of required competencies, the candidate earns the Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter Certification- the culmination of all prior learning and performancebased evaluations.
Conclusion
This training is structured as a progressive program of instruction leading to Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter certification, beginning with entry-level coursework and advancing through required operational and advanced certifications. The program emphasizes standardized training, skill progression, and demonstrated competency in support of public safety and community service
assessment
Coursesrequiredinadditiontothe
FireSupportPersonTaskbook:
NIMS 100, 200, 700, & 800
Peer Support Awareness TIMS
HM/WMD Awareness CourseHours: 70 hours / 90 days
CERTIFICATIONTESTING:
HM/WMD Awareness (skills & cognitive) Fire Support Person (skills & cognitive) (submission of Task Book is required) CVFF/FFI (cognitive)
Upon successful completion of CVFF/FFI cognitive testing, the student can continue on to the skills portion of the Volunteer Fire Fighter course.
Prerequisites: 18 years of age
NIMS 100, 200, 700, & 800
HM/WMD Awareness CourseHours: 40 hours / 45 days
CERTIFICATIONTESTING:
HM/WMD Operations (skills & cognitive)
Prerequisites: Fire Support Person
Physical Statement
Completion of CVFF/FFITaskbook CourseHours: 50 hours/90 days
CERTIFICATIONTESTING:
Live Fire Skills Testing
Skills Testing teams are currently in development HAZMAT/WMDOPERATIONS
CVFF/FFI Skills Testing (submission of the CVFF/FFI Taskbook is required)
www.alabamafirecollege.org/regional
It’s our goal to extend training opportunities into every county in Alabama. To accomplish this objective, we have a network of regional coordinators to facilitate training at the local level. The regional staff is available to answer questions, set up training, and respond to the needs of fire service across the state
REGION 1: Danny Southard dsouthard@alabamafirecollege.org (256)434-0459
REGION 2: Mike Hill mhill@alabamafirecollege.org (256)590-6647
REGION 3: Skip Kittrell skittrell@alabamafirecollege org (205)960-2793
REGIONS 4 & 7: Rudy Rooks rrooks@alabamafirecollege.org (256)463-8469
REGION 5: Jeff Roberts jroberts@alabamafirecollege.org (205)292-5531
REGION 6: Baine Vaughn bvaughn@alabamafirecollege org (334)301-2491
REGION 8: Jeff Ludlam jludlam@alabamafirecollege org (251)680-7883
REGIONS 9 & 10: Dwayne Yelder dyelder@alabamafirecollege.org (334)549-3692
Reid Vaughan, Section Chief (205)343-7414 rvaughan@alabamafirecollege org
Distance Learning
Kelli Southard, Coordinator ksouthard@alabamafirecollege.org
Get Alarmed, Alabama!
Jonathan Ledbetter, Program Manager smokealarms@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege.org/smokealarms
High School Career-Tech Programs
Jennifer Gonzales, Training Specialist jgonzales@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege org/careertech