Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy Fire Science program prepares students for careers in firefighting, emergency services, and public safety by teaching essential skills in fire prevention, emergency response, rescue techniques, and teamwork. Through a partnership with the AFC Bridge Program, students have the opportunity to gain advanced training and take the next step toward becoming certified firefighters. This bridge provides a direct pathway from high school to professional fire service training, giving students a head start on their careers. Students also earn valuable industry certifications in CPR, NIMS, and Volunteer Firefighter 160. Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy. Learn more at www.alabamafirecollege.org/careertech.
VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING
Members of Holly Pond Fire Department, Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department, and Fairview Fire Rescue conduct training as part of the Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter course.
Shelby Patterson, Cullman County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments
GEORGIA POSTS: Barrow Co , Catoosa Co , Cobb Co , Oconee Co
The 2026 Fire Explorer Weekend was held February 20–21 at the Alabama Fire College, bringing together 113 Explorers, 46 Advisors, and 50 volunteer staff members for a full schedule of hands-on training and leadership development.
Saturday began with breakfast and registration, followed by an Opening Ceremony and Safety Awareness session before participants moved into three action-packed event blocks throughout the day Explorers rotated through Conex live fire scenarios, rope rescue and rappelling, confined space drills, vehicle extrication, and search and rescue operations inside the burn building Additional challenges included training on the mobile drill tower, practicing bailouts, and advancing hose streams The evening concluded with dinner and a leadership session presented by Brent Cooper, a past Explorer with Westwood Explorers and Forestdale Fire.
Sunday’s activities continued with breakfast and a devotion led by Terry Jacobs, followed by classroom cleanup and two additional event blocks that allowed participants to further sharpen their skills. The weekend wrapped up with a closing ceremony celebrating the hard work and dedication shown by all involved Meals throughout the event were generously prepared by Chief Grilldaddy and the Hose Draggers alongside the Central Alabama Fire Chiefs, whose support helped fuel an unforgettable weekend of training, teamwork, and growth for the next generation of fire service leaders
Leadership Seminar
The Bama Rescue and Survival School (BRASS), based on NFPA 1010 and NFPA 1407, provides live burn evolutions and hands-on training in fireground operations, Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) deployment, firefighter survival, and rescue techniques The concept began nearly eight years ago when its founders identified a need for more advanced RIC training, and it quickly grew into a comprehensive, scenario-based program developed by a committee of firefighters Designed to serve both career and volunteer personnel, BRASS combines topics such as incident command, thermal imaging, and hose and nozzle operations into realistic scenarios based on line-of-duty deaths and close calls, with participants serving in roles that match their positions within their own departments Now an official course of the Alabama Fire College, BRASS continues to evolve with the fire service, integrating new technology and skills to better prepare firefighters to serve their departments and communities
Captain Todd Edwards (Ret) has over 41 years of fire service experience Starting at 16 years old for a small combination department in Ohio, Captain Edwards spent more than 30 years with the city of Atlanta, serving in various positions and divisions Immediately following retirement, he spent more than a year in the Atlanta Training Division and designed the department’s Officer Development curriculum Todd also assists se metro Atlanta area with course curriculum and train as an adjunct instructor for the Georgia Fire Academ Tactics as an instructor, and oversees the logistics fo Captain Edwards is the owner and lead instructor of Training and speaks at conferences and department throughout the country He has written numerous tra programs utilized by several departments, specializi department-based curriculums for training, officer development, and fire ground operations Edwards has been recognized several times, including the Award of Merit for Bravery and the Fire Chief’s Award of Distinction
CURRICULUM + CERTIFICATION UPDATES
NFPA 1010 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# 978-0-87939-782-1 th
Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Mobile Water Supply, Pumper: IFSTA’s Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4 Ed , ISBN# 978-0-87939762-3 th
Fire Fighter I & Fire Fighter II: IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 1, 8th Ed , ISBN# 978-0-87939-718-0, and Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 2, 8 Ed , ISBN# 978-0-87939-830-
9 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 Marine Fire Fighter: IFSTA’s Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters, 3 Ed , ISBN# 978-087939-641-1 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 Textbooks pending )
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series I-III
Fire Officer series I-IV
Live Fire Instructor / Instructor-in-Charge
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 5th Ed., ISBN# 9781284309195
Fire Department Safety Officer: Incident Safety Officer: Jones & Bartlett’s Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 4th Ed., ISBN# 9781284172379
ALABAMA JOINT FIRE COUNCIL EMS EQUIPMENT GRANT
The Alabama Joint Fire Council will be accepting applications from volunteer fire departments and rescue squads for EMS Equipment and Operations Grant applications will be accepted from February 18, 2026 to March 30, 2026 Awards will be announced prior to May 1, 2026 This grant is a reimbursement grant and departments/squads being awarded a grant will be required to purchase equipment specified in their grant request and submit all receipts/proof of payment before grant funds will be expended.
The EMS Equipment and Operation Grant is being made pursuant to Section 22-18-63 of the Code of Alabama 1975 These funds are residual funds from the tuition reimbursement program and may not be available every fiscal year due to usage for EMS Scholarships.
DEADLINE: March 30
Eligible recipients include all volunteer fire departments recognized by the Alabama Forestry Commission and all Rescue Squads that are listed with the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads at the time of application
Program Priorities for 2026:
Priority is given to departments and squads that request equipment to provide an increase in services (e g A rescue squad that is requesting grant funding to purchase the needed items to offer ALS versus BLS services )
To provide agencies the ability to purchase the required hardware to report to the State of Alabama EMS System.
All grants are reimbursement grants. Awardees are required to complete the scope of work and purchase the items that they specify in their grant request Once documentation is submitted and verified a check will be issued to cover the expenses Any variances from the approved grant will need to be approved by the Alabama Joint Fire Council prior to making any purchases that are not listed in this original grant request. If your request project is not listed as a priority you are encouraged to apply regardless. Applications will be viewed and funding will be allocated based on the priorities and the need for your agencies project.
2026 Grant Limit – $4,000 per agency No Match is required
CRR Elevation Award
This award is intended for CRR teams that demonstrate intentional, data-informed application of the CRR process and a clear commitment to improving safety in their own communities and beyond Team members should represent one or more agencies and collaborate to serve members of their local community The team who wins the Community Risk Reduction Elevation Award receives:
A Community Risk Reduction Elevation Award certificate for display
Two paid registrations to attend the NFPA Conference & Expo®
A$1,000 donation to support local CRR efforts
The nomination period opened on January 19, the start of Community Risk Reduction Week, and will close on March 19
Apply here: NFPA Community Risk Reduction Elevation Award
Professional Development Opportunities and Conferences
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
Beyond the NRTL Sticker: Peeling Back the Label for FLSEs: Join this live 1-hour virtual micro learning session on March 11th from 1-2pm CST. Unveil the meaning behind safety certification marks, understand the role of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), decode NRTL labels, and engage your community in purchasing listed products. Register today.
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
Sparky the Fire Dog’s 75 Birthday th
Please send a 3-6 second video featuring your Sparky plush, Sparky costume, or Sparky cut-out in a fun, recognizable setting, (think: firehouse or fire truck, local landmark or iconic location, community event, or even a “celebrity moment”)
Video tips: Film vertically (portrait mode), and use good lighting and a clean phone lens for clear video! Sound is welcome Feel free to say “Happy 75th, Sparky!” at the beginning or end of your video We can accept horizontal photos, but space is limited Video submissions are preferred
Share your picture or video by email to education@nfpa org no later than March 6, 2026
March 11: Alabama EMS Challenge (Hoover, Station 7)
March 25: Alabama EMS Challenge (Huntsville)
April 6 or 7: Leadership Seminar with Capt. Todd Edwards (Hosted by Tuscaloosa at AFC)
April 8: Alabama EMS Challenge (Bessemer)
April 14: Commission Quarterly Work Session
April 15: Commission Quarterly Meeting
April 29: Alabama EMS Challenge (Albertville)
May 12: Fire Service Briefing
May 13: Alabama EMS Challenge (Mountain Brook)
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 19: Closed (Juneteenth)
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)
September 10: Alabama Fire & Life Safety Summit
Fire Fighter I/II Bridge Program
April 20-May 29
Alabama Fire College Springville Fire & Rescue
June 1-July 10
Oxford Fire Department
June 15-July 24
Anniston RTC
View info and more dates at: www.alabamafirecollege.org/bridge
Alabama Smoke Diver Course Updates
Several changes have been made to update the Smoke Diver program. These changes include an increase in the total number of course hours and an adjustment to tuition Learn more at:
www alabamafirecollege org/smokedive
March 9-10: Group Critical Incident Stress Management (Mobile)
March 27-28: Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy (Orange Beach, AL)
March 28: Introduction to Fire Chaplaincy (Huntsville) April 11-12: Essentials of
June 19-20:
INVISIBLE DISABILITIES TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR ALABAMA FIRE FIGHTERS
A training requirement for Alabama fire departments went into effect on January 1, 2025
All certified career and volunteer staff are required to complete training for invisible disabilities within six months of being certified and every other year after that. In order to complete this training, departments must sign up with Kulture City, the training provider.
The training is completed online, and Kulture City is responsible for keeping the training current and providing the sensory kits as prescribed in the agreement that they will make with each department. To contact Kulture City, please email alfirstresponder@kulturecityorg
PEER SUPPORT
ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE
Regional Services
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
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
Strengthening Emergency Medical Services in Jefferson County: EMS Workforce Development Program
Jefferson County is taking bold steps to address a critical need in its emergency medical services (EMS) sector To help meet this challenge and strengthen the EMS workforce, the Jefferson County Commission, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Alabama, is offering a tuition-free training program for individuals pursuing certification as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), and Paramedics.
Addressing the EMS Shortage
The shortage of qualified EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in Jefferson County has been a growing concern, made worse by the demands of the COVID19 crisis. With emergency medical professionals working tirelessly on the front lines, the need for new recruits has never been greater This new initiative offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in entering the EMS field, ensuring that Jefferson County has a steady pipeline of qualified, trained personnel ready to serve the community
The cost of tuition and necessary supplies will be covered for eligible individuals This scholarship program is available for those who live in Jefferson County or work in Jefferson County in the EMS field, and are admitted into an EMS program at Alabama Fire College Programs include training for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics This initiative is designed to help reduce financial barriers for prospective EMS professionals and accelerate their path to certification and employment.
Who is Eligible?
To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be 18 years or older
High School Graduate or GED holder
U S Citizen or Legal Resident
Resident of Jefferson County OR employed in the EMS field within Jefferson County
Must be enrolled in one of the following Alabama Fire College EMS programs:
Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), or Paramedic Program
Funding and Support
This workforce development initiative is supported, in part, by federal funds through the U S Department of the Treasury The Jefferson County Commission received a federal award (SLFRP1176) to help fund this important program, which is a vital part of the county's ongoing recovery efforts from the pandemic
VOLUNTEER RESCUE STUDENT TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Each year, emergency medical service agencies in Alabama hire more than 300 Emergency Medical Services Personnel (EMSP)s to offer life-saving support to their communities. In addition to these paid openings, the more than 900 volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in Alabama also rely on certified and committed EMSPs to meet their community needs. The State of Alabama created the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Reimbursement Program (Act 2018-524) in 2018 and modified the program in 2023 (Act 2023-353) The legislation allows for students who obtain their EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic certification from an Alabama Community College, the Alabama Fire College, or the University of South Alabama to be reimbursed their tuition costs for the training
COMMIT FOR TWO YEARS, GET REIMBURSED TUITION
HOW IT WORKS
1 Student submits program agreement & documents
2.ACCS reviews packet, complete, issues reimbursement* to College or Sponsoring Agency
3.College disburses reimbursement to student
(*All funding is based on availability)
In order to qualify for the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Program, the applicant must commit – and show verification of a commitment – to at least two years of service to a volunteer fire or rescue squad. This increases the worker’s experience and helps local communities.
