Upcoming Courses

A course designed for new operators with emphasis on hands-on operation of pumpers at draft and from hydrants, and relay operations.

• Start Date: June 6, 2026
• End Date: June 7, 2026
• Division: Division 3 - Farmville

The Driver Operator - Pumper Certification Course contains 28-hours of student lectures, and 36-hours of group practical applications. Each student is responsible to participate in all the skills stations in the program and complete the skills to the satisfaction of the instructors. It is important for the Driver Operator - Pumper Candidate to understand the Driver Operator - Pumper Certification training program offered by Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is a college level course requiring extensive reading and preparation by each candidate.

• Start Date: May 3, 2026
• End Date: June 7, 2026
• Division: Division 4 - Marion

A course designed to enhance safe vehicle operation by stressing theory and principles of defensive driving in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Virginia Motor Vehicle laws pertinent to the operation of emergency vehicles is included in the course. This class is not designed to teach the student to drive, but rather to explain how emergency driving differs from non-emergency driving. Although some driving experience will be gained through the practical exercises it is strongly recommended that the student have adequate driving experience in the vehicle. Levels offered will be appropriate for the requesting authority and generally consist of light (Class I), medium (Class 2), and heavy vehicles (Class III). Departments that have specialty vehicles may request other levels to include Tractor Drawn (Class IV) and ARFF (Class V). Students must register for all levels they desire to attend.

• Start Date: May 16, 2026
• End Date: May 17, 2026
• Division: Division 3 - Farmville

An entry level course for new firefighters. Course consists of a combination of classroom study, scenarios and modular practical experiences that will prepare the firefighter to carry out most fire ground functions under the direct supervision of an officer or experienced firefighter. The scenarios are designed to train the student in realistic fire ground operations. Hazardous Materials Operations is required to prepare the students to participate in defensive leak and spill control operations.

• Start Date: April 27, 2026
• End Date: August 27, 2026
• Division: Division 4 - Marion

This 2 day course examines the Safety Officer's role at emergency responses. A specific focus on operations within an Incident Command System (ICS) as a Safety Officer is a main theme. Response to all hazard types of situations will be emphasized. Provides the student with knowledge & skills to perform the duties of the ISO during incident operations & training evolutions.

• Start Date: June 13, 2026
• End Date: June 14, 2026
• Division: Division 6 - Roanoke

A course designed for the rural fire department that depends heavily on tanker shuttles to provide water at the fire ground. Course consists of classroom training on equipment needed, apparatus placement on the fire ground and the fill site, safety and extensive hands on training conducting tanker shuttles under realistic conditions.

• Start Date: May 16, 2026
• End Date: May 27, 2026
• Division: Division 4 - Marion

This course provides foundational training to advanced skills and techniques to prepare students for a wide variety of possible water rescues that incorporates swift water / flood rescue based on objectives from NFPA 1006 Standard on Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, and NFPA 2500/1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents. The 40-hour course provides the rescuer with classroom and practical training in the understanding of operating in a swift water / flood rescue environment. This course meets the requirements for NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, Chapters 18 and 23 and the students will train to perform at the Operations and Technician Level as specified in NFPA 2500/1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, Chapters 18 and 23, swift water / flood rescue. Prior to practical training, each student is required to successfully complete a swim qualification test to establish a student's ability to have swim skills required to complete the required skills while operating in swift / flood water rescue environments. During the four days of instruction, students will learn about operating on scene of a swift / flood water incident, water hazards, personal protective equipment, resources required (ie. High water vehicles, helicopters), hydrology, swim techniques in moving water, rope systems, shore-based rescue, and skills needed to execute a "Go" rescue.

• Start Date: April 23, 2026
• End Date: April 28, 2026
• Division: Division 6 - Roanoke

Firefighter 1 & 2 train the trainer provides the guidance necessary for delivering a quality Firefighter 1 & 2 1001-19 edition programs. The material covers the Administrative Guidelines for Firefighter 1 & 2, overviews the two (2) approved curriculums, reviews the resource package, and the classroom and practical material as well as review of testing procedures. During the train the trainer, the process for new candidates shall be clearly explained and includes time to answer questions related to this program delivery. All candidates must attend 100% of this program.

• Start Date: April 26, 2026
• End Date: April 26, 2026
• Division: Division 4 - Marion

Hazardous Materials Operation (HMO) Train the Trainer (TTT) provides the guidance necessary for delivering a quality HMO (NFPA 1072-12) edition program. The material covers the Administrative Guidelines for HMO, overview of the approved curriculum, reviews the resource package and the classroom and practical material as well as review the testing procedures. During the Train the Trainer, the process for new candidates shall be clearly explained and includes time to answer questions related to the program delivery. All candidates must attend 100% of this program. Classroom Session—review of the program, paperwork, skills, and student teach back Field Instruction. Demonstrate knowledge of the HMO program delivery and instructor related information. This is accomplished with Instructor teach backs during the in person TTT. A post test will be given at the conclusion of the session.

• Start Date: April 25, 2026
• End Date: April 25, 2026
• Division: Division 4 - Marion