Policies and Procedures

All students must pre-register for classes at the Allegheny County Fire Academy (ACFA). Classes are limited to 24-30 students to allow each student as much training time as possible.

Enrollment

Enrollment forms(PDF, 130KB) are due at ACFA two weeks prior to the start of class. The class roster will be set and acceptance letters will be sent to all students enrolled. Bring the acceptance letter with you to the first day of class, as this will ensure you a spot in the program. Any enrollment forms received after the deadline will be honored on a first-come-first-serve basis up to the course limit as established by the MSA. By registering after the deadline, the student accepts the risk of not being enrolled.

Prerequisite Requirements

Courses with prerequisite requirements must have documentation of the prerequisites being met, attached at the time the enrollment form is submitted. Attached copies of the certificate issued for the prerequisite course will satisfy this requirement. Any enrollment forms received without documentation will be rejected and the student will not be enrolled.

As program space is limited, ACFA reserves the right to suspend any student who registers for a program and does not show up without cancelling out of the program prior to the start of the class. The suspension will be for a one year period.

If such "no-shows" occur as a group from a single fire department, the Academy reserves the right to suspend the entire department from attending courses sponsored by ACFA for a period of one year.

To submit a cancellation and avoid being classified as a "no-show," contact FireAcademyCancellations@alleghenycounty.us.

In authorizing a student to attend classes at ACFA, the Fire Chief certifies that the student:

• Meets the prerequisite knowledge and abilities to attend the class per the course description
• Is medically qualified to attend the course and participate in all evolutions
• Is covered by the Fire Department's Workers' Compensation Insurance during attendance at the Academy
• Will be provided with appropriate TOG, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), and other PPE as dictated by the course description
• Course fees and/or other associated program fees are the responsibility of the student's fire department, not ACFA

In order to comply with accepted standards (NFPA 1403, 1404 and 1500, and OSHA Respiratory Protection) and Pennsylvania State Fire Academy guidelines; any program that utilizes SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) or other respiratory protection will require students to be clean-shaven.

This means there will be no facial hair anywhere along the jaw line or the chin. Hair should not cross the respirator sealing surface. A well-trimmed mustache is permitted.

Any student out of compliance with the policy will be given the option of shaving prior to the start of class or not attending the program.

Check the Facial Hairstyles Diagram(PDF, 5MB).

ACFA will have a gear inspection performed during the course of any program that involves live fire training. The intent of this inspection is to ensure the protection of the student. Deficiencies in the protective equipment inspected will be noted on the inspection form.

Not all deficiencies will prevent the gear from being used in the program, however if the "No" box next to "PPE acceptable for use" is checked, the student will not be permitted to wear the inspected gear for the live fire section. Gear not acceptable for live fire use may continue to be worn for non-live fire portions.

Checklists to Review

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Inspection(PDF, 32KB)
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Inspection(PDF, 114KB)

Materials Fees for courses are due and payable with application.

Payment must be separate for each student and for each course. Payment must be in the form of check or money order payable to “Allegheny County Treasurer.”

Credit card and cash are not accepted. Applications received without payment will not be accepted.