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Fire Science

FIRE SCIENCE

INSTRUCTOR: CAPTAIN BOBBY ELLIOT

A man in a blue shirt and khaki pants holds a breathing apparatus and air tank.

Captain Elliott has been a firefighter since 1985 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science and an Associate of Allied Science degree in Fire Science Technology. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Drill Instructor and is state certified as a Fire Officer III and Fire Instructor III through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Captain Elliott is an adjunct professor for Central Virginia Community College and Piedmont Virginia Community College, as such, his Firefighting students receive dual-enrollment college credits. 

A firefighter in protective gear works on a red fire hydrant outdoors.CATEC’s Fire Science program introduces students to the equipment and procedures necessary to fight live fires, operate in hazardous materials incidents, and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Students react to multi-faceted situations such as accidents, natural disasters, and simulated terrorism as part of an emergency response team. They become familiar with emerging technologies like communications dispatch, geographic information systems mapping, incident reporting, and simulation programs. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically. 

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CREDIT, CERTIFICATIONS, COURSE INFORMATION, AND PATHWAYS

  • Students receive 3 high school elective credits each year for successful completion of the program.

    • Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter I and II
    • American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

     

    • VDFP Firefighter I

    • VDFP Firefighter II

    • VDFP Hazardous Materials Operations

    • American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

    • VDFP Agency Overview

    • VDFP Active Gun Shooter for First Responders

    • VDFP Introduction to Technical Rescue

    • Highway Safety During Incidents for First Responders

    • FEM 100 – Introduction to Incident Command

    • FEMA 200 – ICS for Single Response and Initial Action Incidents

    • FEMA 700 – National Incident Management System

    • FEMA 800 – Nation Response Framework an Introduction

    • Weapons of Mass Destruction through Texas A & M

    • Responding to Vehicle fires

    • Bloodbourne Pathogen – Required by Albemarle County to be a Volunteer

     

  • The Fire Science program is dual-enrolled with Central Virginia Community College. Students successfully completing the program may receive 12 college credits for the courses listed below.

    College Course Codes College Course Name Credit Per Course College
    FST 100 Fire Behavior & Combustion 3 CVCC
    FST 115 Fire Prevention 3 CVCC
    FST 235 Strategy & Tactics 3 CVCC
    FST 121 Principle of Fire & Emergency Services 3 CVCC

     

  • Class: Firefighting I & II

    State Code: 8705, 8706

    Duration: 1 year

    Grade(s): Age 16 or older by start of school

    Credential(s): See above list

    Time(s): AM Only

  • Firefighter

    • Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster

    • National Wage Average: $45,970.00

    • Virginia Wage Average: $44,700.00

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 14.1%

    • Nationally, 27,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years

       

    Arson Investigator

    • Collects evidence, eyewitness accounts & other information to determine what might have caused the fire; furthermore, who might be responsible.

    • National Wage Average: $53,000

    • Virginia Wage Average: $49,000

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 1%

    • Nationally, 168,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years