Fire Protection Technology, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5507
Curriculum Code: 0639
Campus Location: South
Business & Public Service Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: 2 years Math, 2 years Science
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: Chemistry
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Firefighting Agencies, Insurance Firms

Program Description

In an increasingly complex world of changing technologies, synthetic materials and budget crises, the fire chief and line officers must not only be an authority on fire suppression and prevention, but must also be skilled in the fields of management, manpower utilization and personnel development. The Fire Protection Technology curriculum combines all the elements necessary to prepare the paid and volunteer firefighting professional.

The objectives of this program are to promote effective fire fighting strategies; to develop qualities of leadership necessary in fire administration and supervision and to provide firefighters, officers and chiefs with a comprehensive background and updated information in the fire protection area, with an emphasis on the management and administration of fire departments large and small.

This curriculum introduces students to the latest techniques of firefighting and fire prevention and employs faculty members from among the ranks of the firefighting community. Lectures, demonstrations, field trips and discussions will lead the student from the basics of fire protection equipment and building construction to the fields of radiological theory, fire investigations, the handling of hazardous materials, resource typing and grant writing to dealing with terrorist situations. Fire operations strategy gives the students an opportunity to utilize all the acquired skills and to improve them through the information acquired in the management and leadership courses. The fire protection courses and the general studies courses combine to prepare the firefighter, fire officer and fire investigator for the challenges of modern day fire fighting.

Graduates of this curriculum are well qualified to accept leadership positions as fire officers, chiefs, marshals, arson investigators and safety officers in both the public and private sectors.

Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites

Students who have taken fire service training with appropriate state or county certificates may be able to apply these courses to fulfill their degree requirements. Apply for transfer credit as early as possible.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with the Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology, the graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fire prevention and fire suppression
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the responsibilities of the Fire Service in fire origin cause and of the principles of fire investigation
• Differentiate various types of fire suppression systems and their component parts
• Handle citizen complaints/inquiries concerning fire safety systems or concerns
• Understand the general and specific construction features of buildings with emphasis on fire service associated problems
• Have an improved ability to safely evaluate the effects of fire on various types of buildings
• Apply the tactical and technical skills necessary to direct fire personnel in the performance of fire suppression and prevention activities
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of New York State laws and the criminal procedure regarding the fire service
• Identify the various families of hazardous materials
• Demonstrate an understanding of the operational principles behind the various methods available to extinguishing fires of widely varied origin
• Respond to disasters involving hazardous materials
• Demonstrate an understanding of firefighter safety issues
• Understand risk analysis
• Recognize and understand the dangers of radioactive substances and the procedures to follow when encountered
• Understand the principles of securing evidence at a fire scene, and of record keeping and documentation
• Determine when an experienced fire investigator is needed at a fire scene
• Understand the principles of leadership, supervision, human resources and fiscal management
• Demonstrate an understanding of the internal workings of fire departments and contemporary problems of fire departments

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 66.0