FIRE & ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE Certificate
PROGRAM MISSION
The Fire and Environmental Emergency Response Program is committed to provide training for individuals in the State of Hawaiʻi who are interested in developing entry level skills or in-service professional development required for employment in private, city, state, or federal agencies. Due to the workload demands of fire service personnel another goal is to provide opportunities that are flexible and have accessible delivery options including distance education, evening and weekend classes, and accelerated course offerings.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Fire and Environmental Emergency Response Program courses are provided to meet the needs of the in-service professional as well as students who are not employed by the Fire Service. This Program is designed to prepare students academically for the Fire Service Field, i.e., insurance adjuster, investigator, and safety and building inspector.
Students at Honolulu Community College, who complete 12 credits of Fire and Environmental Emergency Response college credit, may receive up to 26 credits of Fire and Environmental Emergency Response credits for completing Basic Recruitment Training for fire fighting as required by government agencies using Pro Board or IFSAC (International FIRE Service Accreditation Congress) certification. In addition students may be eligible to participate in a cooperative work program that will allow up to a maximum of 6 units of elective Fire and Environmental Emergency Response credits for completion of this program.
An Associate in Applied Science Degree is awarded to students who complete the General Education requirements ** and the 45 units of Fire and Environmental Emergency Response credits. A Certificate of Achievement may be awarded to students who complete 25 hours of the required Fire and Environmental Emergency Response credits.
Health and physical requirements vary with the employers in the Fire and Environmental Emergency Response field so prospective students should seek advice before enrolling.
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
Certificate of Achievement:
Placement in ENG 100; Placement in MATH 24/50
COST OF TEXTBOOKS/SUPPLIES
Tuition based on total credits taken.
Books approximately $100 - $250 per semester.
Fees for clothing rental and equipment purchase for 280A, 280B, and 280C could exceed $1,000.
What are the program learning outcomes?
Upon successful completion of the FIRE program, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills required to respond appropriately to fire, medical, and environmental emergency situations at the private, city, state, or federal level.
1) Will the FIRE program prepare you for a firefighting career?
Yes, the FIRE program will teach you the academic skills necessary for entry into the fire service field, i. e., fire fighter recruit, insurance adjuster, fire investigator. However, to qualify for fire fighter recruit positions in government agencies, you are not required to complete the program. You will learn about 1) Fire Behavior, Prevention, Suppression and Control 2) Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Response and 3) Operations, Management and Administration. The FIRE program is not designed to prepare you for the recruit written exams required by some FIRE jobs. Once you are a firefighter, a FIRE degree may help you get a promotion.
2) Is there a way for teenagers and young adults to find out more about the career and work of a fire fighter?
The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Fire Explorers Program introduces teenagers and young adults to firefighters' duties. These experiences help youth to become more mature, responsible and compassionate. For more information, call the HFD's Support Services section at 808-723-7115 or visit the HFD website at FAQ.
Where do I find more information about the course?
At the college web site under FAQ? section for this program.
