Career Training for Cleveland Firefighters

New recruits spend over three months at the Fire Training Academy learning about fire behavior and training with tools and equipment used daily by firefighters. Training includes a 130-hour course in emergency medical care which certifies new recruits as Basic Emergency Medical Technicians.

Continued training is essential to a firefighter’s career, so it continues through the entire length of service.

Training Components

Training includes all aspects of fireground operations, apparatus operation and maintenance, rescue, building construction, and required state and federal courses. Classes are held days and evenings, including weekends. Since firefighters must work in all types of weather conditions, training is not affected by weather, even the most severe.

Live Burn Training

In 2004 a new burn building was built to assist Cleveland firefighters in live burn conditions. Live burn training simulates actual fires, making it the most effective type of training for new recruits. At the same time, however, it is one of the most dangerous forms of training. If it is not precisely executed, there is a chance of injury or death for trainees as well as instructors.

Location and Contact Information

The Cleveland Fire Department Training Academy is located at 3101 Lakeside Avenue. Instructors may be reached at 216.664.6880.

Photo Credit: Cleveland Firefighter by Andrew MacDonald