Our academy is a one year para-military program performed on Thursday Nights 6pm - 10pm, and Saturday's and Sunday's from 8 am to 5 pm. You will be making a one year commitment for Thursday Night and weekends. This schedule allows working adults to attend, and still devote the necessary time required for studying.
While this is not exactly boot camp we do have a drill master or staff instructor responsible for teaching cadet's discipline and structure. There will be uniform inspections every day the academy meets. Cadets are expected to be in uniform and to have their boots spit shined each day. Female cadets will wear their hair in a braid or pinned down and male cadets will be clean shaven at all times. No beard or whiskers shall be evident. Short hair will be the order for all male cadets. You will stand at attention and take orders as directed. You can find out more of our rules and regulations by looking at our Policy and Procedures Manual here.
There is a refundable program fee (lab fee) associated with the program. This lab fee covers the cost of certifications you will earn, expendable supplies such as roofing material, doors, wood etc, that are used for instruction of ventilation, forcible entry, and fire control. In addition cadets must sign up for 35 units of credits over the one year period based on current cost per unit from the college. 12 units for fall and spring and 4 units for winter and 7 units for summer. Cadets must supply their own uniforms and safety equipment, which is payable to an outside vendor. For an estimate of all fees please refer to the VFA estimated fee schedule here.
No. The Fire Academy is a State Fire Marshal accredited program and not a Glendale Community College Program. however, there is the potential to obtain a BOGG fee waiver for those that qualify to waive the semester fees. There are also some grants that prior cadets have obtained such as VA assistance, and monies from cultural groups etc. For more information on financial aid and assistance contact the school's financial aid division or our counselor by email.
The Verdugo Fire Academy encourages our cadets to seek sponsorship from area departments. This benefits the cadet and the sponsoring agency in many ways. The primary intent of sponsorship is to provide the opportunity to fill each class with student representatives from surrounding communities and to provide that training element required by the CSFM (California State Fire Marshal) for certification as a Firefighter I. But, depending on the agency they may be willing to furnish all or part of your safety equipment, which will save you money. For our sponsorship letter look here.
At this time the VFA meets for all classroom sessions (lectures) at Glendale Fire Department / Verdugo Joint Fire Training Center, Most manipulative sessions are held at the GFD / VFA training center, but we also on occasion use facilites of local fire departments.
You can apply online by downloading an application here.
You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or have your GED and a CPR card which can be obtained from the red cross. It is recommended that you also have your EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) license completed and have taken some Fire Technology courses.
Our academy is geared toward working adults. You may work or go to school during the week and then spend Thursday night and the weekends learning the Fire Fighting trade. VFA runs for approximately 800 hours. With that longer time frame the cadets are exposed to more hands on training, and receive more certifications then other local Fire Academies.
All cadets must take and pass the CPAT exam. You can find out more information on the CPAT from the FCTC website here. All cadets must pass the CPAT prior to the start of Fire 119 (Block 4) as this is a pre-requisite for Fire 119. You might want to start a physical fitness program as early as possible to ensure success in passing the CPAT exam.
You must also be a registered EMT through State of California, Los Angeles County or National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) prior to the start of Fire 119 as this is a pre - requisite. You can find out more info or find EMT classes within California here. For information on the NREMT you can click here.
If you have any history with the fire service such as Explorer programs, volunteer programs or anything similar all will help. You should start a physical fitness program if not already doing so, with emphasis on endurance, upper body strength and proper nutrition. If you haven't done so, start visiting fire stations and learning about the job. While there make a good impression, go back several times and start networking. Visit different agencies, build a good relationship with the firefighters in many stations and over many shifts, you might be able to secure a sponsorship into the academy.
We take a maximum of 50 cadets for each class. Therefore, competition is high to get in. All sponsored cadets are guaranteed a position in the class as long as they meet minimum requirements as stated above.