Fire & Rescue

The Firefighter and Technical Rescuer Training Program at Wilkes Community College is responsible for, and committed to, providing the highest level of training capabilities to those who serve, safeguard and secure our communities.  Guided by integrity, our commitment to excellence, professionalism and cultivation of strategic partnerships, the Firefighter and Technical Rescuer Training Program provides exceptional education, realistic training, and continuous support for emergency service professionals consistent with established standards.

The Firefighter and Technical Rescuer Training Program is an approved Delivery Agency through the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission. All programs offered through the Firefighter and Technical Rescuer Training Program are run to the guidelines and policies set forth within the standards of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the North Carolina Association of Rescue and EMS (NCAREMS).

Courses that can be offered through the Firefighter and Technical Rescuer Training Program are:

  • Firefighter
  • Haz-Mat Awareness and Operations
  • Haz-Mat Personal Protective Equipment
  • Haz-Mat Mass and Technical Decontamination
  • Haz-Mat Air Monitoring and Sampling
  • Technical Rescuer Programs
  • Rescue Officer
  • Instructor I & II
  • Rapid Intervention Crew
  • Driver Operator Programs
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Fire Life Safety Educator I, II, & III
  • Fire Officer I & II
  • NFA Programs

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Stephen Crouse
Stephen Crouse, BS
Coordinator of Fire, Rescue and EMS
Phone: 336-838-6215
sjcrouse205@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rusty Zachary
Rusty Zachary
Fire/EMS Coordinator – Ashe Campus
Phone: 336-903-3114
Email: razachary594@wilkescc.edu

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.