Fire Service

WCC Fire and Rescue Training programs are approved and accredited by the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission. These programs include:

  • Firefighter Certification: This total program consists of 340 hours and is divided into a wide range of subject areas. It is offered to agencies upon request in classes ranging in length from 6 to 38 hours.
  • Driver/Operator: This series of classes provides the firefighter with certification and training in fire service pump operations and aerial operations.
  • Technical Rescuer (TR): This certification program presents the student with the knowledge, skills, and ability to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Five (General) of NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications.
  • Hazardous Materials: This program trains emergency services and industrial personnel in various aspects of hazardous materials emergencies and includes certification as a Hazardous Materials Responder by the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission.
  • Specialized Firefighter Training: These customized training programs include live structural burns, LP gas fires, wildland firefighting, clandestine drug labs and bombs, arson detection, and more.

Certification Information

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) requires that you submit an application for certification in order to receive any certifications. You must submit a copy of your High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (formerly GED) along with your application.

Don’t have a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency?  Opportunities are available through WCC’s College & Career Readiness Division.

To check your official transcript with OSFM, click here and follow the directions on the page.

Contact Information

Image of Stephen Crouse
Stephen Crouse, BS
Coordinator of Fire, Rescue and EMS
Phone: 336-838-6215
sjcrouse205@wilkescc.edu

Upcoming Courses

Is there a specific course you would like to see offered? Contact sjcrouse205@wilkescc.edu.

You can also use the Public Safety Training Calendar to search for classes throughout the state.

Technical Standards

The Fire and Rescue program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard Essential Function Examples
Communication
Oral / Written
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
  • Interact with citizens verbally and in writing
  • Testify in court to present evidence or act as a witness
  • Make public presentations on fire safety
Mobility / Motor Skills
  • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
  • Ability to safely operate in and around vehicles
  • Mobility sufficient to maneuver in varied terrain
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require dexterity and flexibility to move body in a variety of positions
  • Safely drive a vehicle
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Running
    • Jumping
    • Bending
    • Stooping
    • Crawling
    • Climbing
    • Reaching
  • Maneuver in confined spaces
  • Maneuver up and down a ladder at various heights
Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability sufficient to lift and carry equipment and a person
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability sufficient to lift and carry a person to safety
  • Ability to wear heavy equipment, such as an air tank
Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Listening skills sufficient to communicate with others
  • Ability to touch to perform physical assessments
  • Ability to tolerate various odors
  • Identify objects, actions, and events
  • Hear equipment/emergency alarms or calls for help
  • Feel for pulse
Environmental / Occupational Exposure
  • Environmental hazards
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions
  • Ability to respond quickly and work under high stress situations
  • Wear appropriate safety gear
  • Respond appropriately in emergency to maintain safety
  • Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, and water
  • Wear face mask, helmet, fire suit, and oxygen tank, etc.
Field or Industry Professional Standards
  • Must be 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physical examination form completed

Disability Services Statement

Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.

Northwest Fire & Rescue College

The Northwest Fire & Rescue College is a weekend school held the first full weekend in November. This school offers multiple classes to meet the needs and demands of the entire emergency services community. Types of courses offered may include firefighter and technical rescuer certification courses, fire and rescue specialty courses, hazardous materials training, arson detection, fire investigation, wildland firefighting, emergency medical services training, leadership development, and more.

See our brochure for more information.

For more information, contact:

Image of Stephen Crouse
Stephen Crouse, BS
Coordinator of Fire, Rescue and EMS
Phone: 336-838-6215
sjcrouse205@wilkescc.edu