Firefighter Ryan McLaurin teaches at the Fire Academy.
The Raleigh Fire Department has held graduation ceremonies for 54 Fire Academies and hundreds of firefighters. But before recruits become probationary firefighters, they complete a rigorous training program. A small, but mighty group of instructors ensures the graduates are ready for the job.
Capt. Adam Walker has worked as the academy program manager for the past year and a half. The veteran firefighter, who has been with RFD for 20 years, oversees the Raleigh Fire Academy. “I’m involved from the hiring process to Academy graduation,” Walker summarizes.
The Raleigh Fire Department holds two Academies per year. Each application group has hundreds of hopefuls, and most Academies have several dozen recruits. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma.
The regular Academy is 28 weeks. Raleigh Fire also offers 16-week programs for students who already have their EMT certifications.
Academy: EMS and Fire Training
Capt. Walker and Lt. Hobbs work at the Keeter Training Center.
New recruits complete a training program at the Keeter Fire Training Center. Regular Academy classes include EMS and fire training.
“The Academy includes an extensive EMS program, a rigorous physical fitness program, and various live firefighting simulations,” says Assistant Fire Chief Brian Sherrill. He leads professional development for RFD.
The Academy’s key goal is to ensure recruits can safely perform the duties required of a firefighter assigned to a crew. Recruits will also graduate with the appropriate state certifications, including EMT.
From day one, recruits are permanent, full-time City of Raleigh employees. They are paid the starting salary for a firefighter and receive City benefits. After graduation, they work as probationary firefighters for six months.
Small, But Mighty Team
A small, but mighty group of instructors ensures Academy graduates are ready for the job.
Walker sets the schedule for the Academy, makes sure the four other instructors have what they need, and teaches classes. He also assists with RFD’s continuing education classes and other projects at Keeter.
He’s assisted by one full-time instructor – Jesse Richardson – and three others – Brantly Hobbs, Ryan McLaurin, and Greg Trival – who teach classes.