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public safety

Firefighter Program

Answer the call. Train to serve your community.

A full slate of firefighter training, from Volunteer and Firefighter 1 to Firefighter 2 and transition courses. Get the certifications fire departments require and step into one of the most respected careers there is.

Firefighters in training
Hours
Multiple levels, 36–160+ hours
Format
In-person
Tuition
Contact for tuition
Location
Main Campus · Fire Classrooms (some evolutions at Central Joint Fire District, Portage)

What you'll learn

  • Volunteer & Firefighter 1
  • Firefighter 1 & 2 transitions
  • Firefighter 2
  • State-recognized certifications

What you'll earn

  • State of Ohio firefighter certifications (NFPA 1001 / 1041)

Before you enroll

  • Most levels require an NFPA 1582 physical and a BCI/FBI background check

Where it can take you

Volunteer firefighterCareer firefighter

Courses & upcoming classes

Straight from Penta's registration catalog, kept current every term.

Emergency Dispatch

This course will give a solid foundation for a successful career in emergency dispatching. Students will be exposed to practice in verbal de-escalation, problem solving, and incident management. Students will earn APCO, FEMA NIMS 100, and test in Criticall. This will position students well for an entry-level position with local emergency communications centers.

Upcoming classes

8/10/2026 to 12/16/2026$1,200
Mon/Wed · 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tracey Bechstein

Firefighter Instructor I & II

Prepare to become a certified fire service instructor with Penta Career Center's Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I & II program. This course prepares experienced firefighters to effectively plan, deliver, and evaluate fire service training programs in accordance with NFPA 1041: Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical teaching exercises, and performance evaluations, students develop the instructional knowledge, presentation skills, and evaluation techniques needed to teach both classroom and hands-on fire service training. Participants will learn how to develop lesson plans, deliver engaging instruction, evaluate student performance, and manage safe, effective learning environments.

Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to meet the professional qualifications for Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I & II certification.

Prerequisites:

  • Current Ohio Firefighter Certification
  • All prerequisites established by the Ohio Division of EMS

Upcoming classes

9/10/2026 to 12/17/2026$500
Thursday · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Jason Francis

Firefighter Instructor Live Burn – NFPA1403

Prepare to lead safe and effective live-fire training by completing Penta Career Center's Live Fire Instructor (NFPA 1403) course. This advanced program is designed for certified fire instructors who are responsible for planning, supervising, and conducting live-fire training evolutions in accordance with NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions.

Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely conduct live-fire training in acquired structures, burn buildings, and exterior fire props. Training includes live-fire planning, risk management, instructor responsibilities, safety procedures, student supervision, fuel load management, emergency planning, and compliance with NFPA 1403 requirements.

Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to safely manage and supervise live-fire training evolutions while meeting the requirements established by the Ohio Division of EMS and NFPA 1403.

Prerequisites:

  • Current Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Instructor Certification
  • Current Ohio Firefighter Certification
  • All prerequisites established by the Ohio Division of EMS

 

Upcoming classes

1/14/2027 to 2/13/2027$300
Thursday · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Jason Francis

Firefighter 1

Begin your career in the fire service with Penta Career Center's Firefighter I program. This entry-level course prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely and effectively operate as a Firefighter I in the State of Ohio.

Students receive classroom instruction, practical skills training, and live-fire experience while learning fire behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), ladders, hose operations, ventilation, search and rescue, forcible entry, water supply, salvage and overhaul, fireground communications, and firefighter safety.

This 160+ hour program meets the current NFPA 1001 Firefighter I standard and prepares eligible students to test for Ohio Division of EMS Firefighter I certification.

Prerequisites:

  • NFPA 1582 Medical Evaluation
  • Ohio BCI and FBI Background Check

This course includes live-fire training.

Firefighter Student Packet

Upcoming classes

8/11/2026 to 12/17/2027$2,000
Tue/Thu · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Michael Szafarowicz

Firefighter 1 Transition

Advance your fire service career by upgrading your Volunteer Firefighter certification to Firefighter I. This program is designed for currently certified Volunteer Firefighters who want to expand their knowledge, develop advanced firefighting skills, and meet the requirements for Ohio Firefighter I certification.

Students receive classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and live-fire experience while building on their existing firefighting knowledge. Training includes fire behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hose operations, ladders, search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, fire attack, firefighter safety, and other skills required of a Firefighter I.

This 124+ hour program meets the current NFPA 1001 Firefighter I standards and prepares eligible students to test for Ohio Division of EMS Firefighter I certification.

Prerequisites:

  • Current Ohio Volunteer Firefighter Certification
  • NFPA 1582 Medical Evaluation
  • Ohio BCI and FBI Background Check

This course includes live-fire training.

Firefighter Student Packet

Upcoming classes

8/11/2026 to 12/17/2027$2,000
Tue/Thu · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Michael Szafarowicz

Firefighter 2 Transition

Advance your Firefighter I certification to Firefighter II, the highest level of firefighter certification offered by the Ohio Division of EMS. This program is designed for currently certified Firefighter I personnel who want to expand their knowledge, strengthen their practical firefighting skills, and qualify for Ohio Firefighter II certification.

Students receive classroom instruction and hands-on skills training in advanced firefighting operations, including fireground leadership, rescue techniques, fire suppression, incident operations, firefighter safety, and other competencies required of a Firefighter II.

This 84+ hour program meets the current NFPA 1001 Firefighter II standards and prepares eligible students to test for Ohio Division of EMS Firefighter II certification.

Prerequisites:

  • Current Ohio Firefighter I Certification
  • NFPA 1582 Medical Evaluation
  • Ohio BCI and FBI Background Check

Firefighter Student Packet

Upcoming classes

9/28/2026 to 11/30/2026$1,300
Mon/Wed · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Dillon Flick

Volunteer Firefighter

Begin your service to your community with Penta Career Center's Volunteer Firefighter program. This entry-level course is designed for individuals serving or planning to serve with volunteer fire departments, particularly those protecting small and rural communities throughout Ohio.

Students receive classroom instruction and hands-on training focused on firefighter safety, fireground support operations, personal protective equipment (PPE), basic fire suppression techniques, hose handling, ladders, tools and equipment, communications, and other essential skills needed to safely assist at emergency incidents.

This 36-hour program follows the curriculum established by the Ohio Division of EMS and prepares students to perform essential fireground support functions as a Volunteer Firefighter.

Prerequisites:

  • NFPA 1582 Medical Evaluation
  • Ohio BCI and FBI Background Check

Volunteer Firefighter Student Packet

Upcoming classes

9/9/2026 to 10/24/2026$700
Mon/Wed · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Paul Perry
10/6/2026 to 11/14/2026$700
Tue/Thu · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Carl Tipton