To save money, Akron Fire Department sends recruits to UA for training

In an arrangement designed to save money for the city of Akron, eight new Akron Fire Department recruits are receiving initial training this summer at The University of Akron.

The city contracted UA’s Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials to provide an 11-week course covering basic topics such as search and rescue, running hose lines and techniques for extinguishing fires. With both classroom and hands-on training, the course will prepare the recruits for achieving Ohio Firefighter II certification, required for full-time fire department employment.

Partnership could continue

After completing their UA course, the recruits will undergo a more physically demanding five-week training regimen with the Akron Fire Department, said Chief Edward Hiltbrand. City officials determined that it could be more cost-efficient to scale down the fire department’s usual 13-week training program by handing off some elements to UA’s training center. If the results are good and city officials see the savings they anticipate, Hiltbrand said, the partnership with the University could continue.

The Akron recruits are receiving the same instruction as UA’s Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials provides in its twice-yearly Professional Firefighter Academy, said Robert Pursley Jr., director of the training center. He also is a Barberton Fire Department captain and shift commander.

The training center, located on UA’s main campus, is part of the College of Applied Science and Technology. A few openings remain for the next Professional Firefighter Academy, which begins Aug. 31. More information is available at 330-972-7577 or conted@uakron.edu. UA also offers Ohio’s only accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology.

Visit the Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials online to learn more.

Media contact: Roger Mezger, 330-972-6482 or 330-730-4215, or rmezger@uakron.edu.