Florida Gateway College - Fire Academy

04/14/2025

The mandatory orientation for summer term EMT is 0900h on 17 April 2025 in rm 153 of the Library on main campus. If you've turned in a complete application packet you should be able to walk out registered and ready to go for the term.

09/23/2024

It's that time again! This is a renewal year for EMT and Paramedic in Florida. Refresher class for Paramedic in October (12, 13, 19, 20) 10 hours Sat & Sun meeting both NREMT and Fla requirements. EMT Oct 26 & 27 Nov 02 10 hour days Sat & Sun meeting both NREMT and Fla requirements. $80.00 registration fee. Limited space so sign up early.

05/11/2023

The Summer LFTI class coming to FGC 05-09 June 2023. Contact Tracey Higdon at [email protected] for more information.

03/28/2023

Florida Gateway College has invested in their students' education again. The fire and EMS programs both took delivery of 'new to us' much needed vehicles. We now can train on multiple fire apparatus and ambulances simultaneously. EVOC will be much better with these new vehicles and the new EVOC track at the CDL complex.

11/01/2022

Free tuition for qualified students in the spring. Classes begin 09 Jan and registration is open today, 01 Nov 2022. FF, EMT, BLE, CNA, CO. Register now and begin your career.

11/01/2022

09/20/2022

Wildland firefighting class is done. Many thanks to the USFS Olustee office and MacClenny FD for supplying knowledge and equipment for our student's wildland experience. It's partnerships such as this which makes the FGC Fire Academy unique and our students successful.

09/07/2022

As my time being a part of the Florida Gateway College Fire Program comes to a close I feel it would be disingenuous to not mention those who made my journey memorable. It is also a time to think back on what we had in the beginning and where the program is now.
In the beginning the FGC fire academy was a concept in need of someone to get it going. Loving a challenge, I jumped at the chance to start the program, not knowing what I didn’t know. Thank goodness I knew people who not could but would help me. Were it not for Paul McDavid and Billy Brideson I’m sure I would have made some critical errors. Their guidance and ideas were instrumental in those early days. Chris Bonds and Chief Trevor Nelson were also early contributors both as teachers and as mentors to me and students alike. We started with a donated surplus fire engine, about 10 sections of various diameter hose, a couple of axes and sledge hammers, and two nozzles. We borrowed tools and equipment from area departments for many of the early classes. Tiki torch fuel and pine cones were our fuel for portable extinguisher practice. We adopted the motto ‘Semper Gumby’ always flexible.
As the program took shape we acquired a burn building and more equipment. The old barn was replaced with the burn building for searches and students, 2 in the first class, no longer had to breathe CS and pepper spray dust. We had SCBAs donated from area departments and had a refill compressor installed, acquired LP fired props, and had a modern fire engine donated to the program from the MacClenny Fire Department. We had a ventilation prop installed on the burn building, forcible entry props and digital fire training panels purchased, and grew enough to need a bigger classroom.
The program has grown with the help of some very dedicated instructors into 20 student classes with very high pass rates on the state written and practical exams. I couldn’t be more proud of this program and I am grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of its growth and success. I’m proud that we produce graduates who can function in the fire service from day one and that employers are happy to hire. I know the program will continue improving and I’m looking forward to seeing its continued success.
I would like to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you” to everyone who had a hand in this most wonderful journey back into the fire service. My office moved 10 feet to the EMS side of the building so please stop by and say hello.

09/07/2022

The PARAMEDIC refresher is scheduled for 15, 16, 22, & 23 October with the ACLS refresher on Sunday the 23rd. For information contact [email protected]

08/01/2022

Do you love a challenge? Firefighting is both challenging and rewarding! If making a difference every shift is what you're looking for, the firefighting and EMS professions will fill that need. Jobs are plentiful and the rewards, both monetary and professional, make this more than a job; it's a career. Start your career today by enrolling into the Florida Gateway College fire and EMT combined course. We're registering now! For information contact us today at [email protected] or call (386) 754-4465.