Aspiring firefighters in north-central Arkansas will soon have a local option for earning state certifications. The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), in collaboration with the White River Firefighter Training Association and 17 area fire departments, has announced the launch of the Firefighter Rookie School.
The 38-week program, set to begin on October 6, will use curriculum from the Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA) in Camden. Covering material for Firefighter I and II certifications, the academy is designed to train and prepare the next generation of first responders in the region.
“We want to support the next generation of firefighters in our area,” said Stacey Caplener, fire chief of Pleasant Plains. “By working with the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and UACCB, we can make sure they have a good foundation.”
The program has received robust support from local fire departments, which are contributing vehicles, equipment, and instructors to meet AFTA standards. Capt. Robert Beel of the Searcy Fire Department, a veteran of nearly two decades in emergency services, fire science, and training, will serve as the lead instructor.
Participating fire departments in the initiative include Batesville, Bethesda, Cave City, Charlotte, Cord, Cushman, Desha, Floral, Melbourne, Newark, Northside, Oil Trough, Pleasant Plains, Ruddell Hill, Southside, Sulphur Rock, and Union Hill-Thida. Vital Link EMS has also contributed resources, donating a television and computer for use in the program.
Dr. Becky Warren of UACCB highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort. “Partnerships like this are exactly how we respond to the needs of the communities we serve,” she said. “By bringing together UACCB, the White River Firefighter Training Association, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and local fire departments, we are creating a strong pathway for individuals to receive high-quality training while helping our communities build and sustain a well-prepared emergency response workforce.”
Applicants must meet several requirements to enroll in the program. These include CPR certification, a full physical evaluation with administrative clearance, and a sponsorship letter from their fire chief confirming eligibility. Additional certifications are also needed, including Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS), ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, and Wildland Firefighting.
Students can begin the certification and clearance process through their local municipal or volunteer fire departments. The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship may be used to cover the full cost of the program, and current firefighters may also enroll in individual courses to meet specific training needs.
For more information, visit UACCB’s website at uaccb.coursestorm.com/course/firefighter-i.