Firefighter Recruit Academy

Information
Portland Fire & Rescue’s Recruit Academy is a nationally recognized program. The Recruit Academy includes comprehensive classroom instruction and high-level training in the latest firefighting techniques and equipment use.

The Training Academy is 20 weeks long and prepares recruits for their move to Station 2, our training station and a working firehouse. 

Some facets of the Training Academy curriculum include:

  • Becoming proficient and comfortable working in personal protective equipment, learning proper radio etiquette 
  • Hose handling techniques 
  • Ladder selection and placement, appropriate to environment and available personnel 
  • Apparatus and pump operation & how to efficiently secure a water supply  
  • Forcible entry and vehicle extrication techniques
  • Understanding building construction and how to read smoke 
  • Search techniques
  • Ventilation practices 
  • Hazardous materials operations
  • Wildland firefighting 
  • EMS skills and scenarios
  • And, of course, live fire training