Fire Science Program Begins at Ivy Tech

In Anderson, Fire Technology will be offered from 1-3:50 p.m. and Fire/Arson Investigator will meet from 5:30-9:20 p.m., both on Tuesdays.  Classes in Marion will follow the same schedule except that they will meet on Thursdays. Classes will meet on Wednesdays in Muncie with the Arson Investigator class from 1-5:20 p.m. followed by the Fire Technology class from 5:30-9:20 p.m.

While students will be required to sign up for a specific section, meeting on specific day and time, they also will have the opportunity to attend another section of the class should they have a conflict in attending the section in which they have enrolled, according to Neil Huff, Public Safety program chair. “This is ideal for individuals currently working as firefighters,” said Huff. “If their work hinders them from attending a class at its scheduled time, they can go to another class scheduled that week.”

The Fire Science program provides students with course work in the theory, formula and application of fire fighting. This is coupled with “hands on” practical skills, abilities and training which will prepare them for employment and promotional advancements in fire departments, industrial plants, fire underwriters groups and building fire safety organizations.

The program has been designed to benefit the public safety/first responder community by providing citizens convenient access to public safety educational opportunities, according to Jeff Scott, chair, School of Public & Social Services at Ivy Tech East Central. “Potential employers have expressed a strong interest in hiring graduates of our program,” said Scott. “Having a regional program also provides convenient access to training/retraining for current force members.”

An added benefit of the program for those who have current and valid certifications in the fire science field is the opportunity to receive credit for their experience for up to 21 credit hours through the college’s certification crosswalk process.