Firefighter Certification II

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This course is the study of basic principles and skill development in handling fire service hose and ladders.  Topics will include the distributions system of water supply, basic building construction, and emergency service communication, procedures, and equipment.  This is the second in a series of courses in preparation for certification as a basic firefighter.

Course Learning Objectives

Demonstrate competencies, for subjects taught, set forth in the TCFP curriculum for Basic Fire Suppression including the following:

  1. Describe the purpose of the NFPA standards applicable to fire service ladders
  2. Define the terms associated with ladders
  3. Identify and describe the materials used in ladder construction and their features
  4. Identify and demonstrate inspection, maintenance and testing procedures for different types of ground ladders
  5. Identify the load capacities for ground ladders, according to NFPA 1931
  6. Identify and select an appropriate ladder for a given task
  7. Describe and demonstrate properly carrying, setting and climbing ground ladders
  8. Describe and demonstrate proper ladder climbing techniques while transporting tools and equipment or assisting a person with a simulated injury
  9. Describe and demonstrate the techniques of working from ground ladders with tools and equipment
  10. Identify and describe the use and construction of fire hose and couplings
  11. Describe and demonstrate the use and care of nozzles, valves, appliances, adapters and tools
  12. Demonstrate coupling and uncoupling fire hose connections
  13. Identify and demonstrate the proper methods of rolling hose
  14. Demonstrate hose carries and drags
  15. Demonstrate the proper techniques for operating hose lines
  16. Identify, and demonstrate basic hose loads on fire apparatus
  17. Demonstrate procedures for testing fire hose
  18. Describe and demonstrate the proper techniques for operating hose lines
  19. Operate fire hydrants
  20. Identify and describe water systems and their fundamental components
  21. Identify and describe components and terms of a water distribution system
  22. Identify various types of valves and determine their operating position
  23. Describe causes of increased resistance and friction loss in water mains
  24. Demonstrate the operation of both mobile and portable radio equipment
  25. Identify and describe the basic types of building construction and the general fire behavior expected with each type of construction
  26. Identify hazards related to building construction that affect firefighter safety
  27. Describe the effects of fire and fire suppression activities on common burning materials.
  28. Define basic building construction terms
  29. Describe lightweight and truss construction hazards
Required Textbooks
  1. Essentials of Firefighting & Fire Department Operations current edition,  Fire Protection Publications, ISBN: 978-0-13-314080-2
  2. Hazardous Materials for the First Responder current edition       Fire Protection Publications, ISBN: 978-0-87939389-2
  3. Emergency Response Guide Book current edition U.S. Department of Transportation, ISBN: 978-1-60287-179-3
Evaluation Standards

Course grade will be based on the following distribution:

                                                                                    Grade Distribution

Workbook Checks                  10%                             90% to 100% = A

Notebooks                               10%                             80% to 89% =   B

Mid-Term / Final Exam          40%                             75% to 79% =   C

Section  Quiz                          30%                             < 74.99% =       F

Projects                                   10%

         Practical                                        P/F

The student must maintain a 75% or above course average after the fifth examination, as well as, achieve a grade of 75% or above on both the Mid-Term and Final examinations. Failure to maintain this grade level will result in dismissal from the Academy.   

The student will be evaluated based on his or her overall average from quizzes, examinations, and workbooks, notebooks, projects, and practical evaluations.                   

Absences

Regular and punctual attendance is required.  All Weatherford College policies on attendance will be observed. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection requires minimum hands on skill and knowledge verification that requires attendance. Student may not miss more than 24 Hours. Missing more than 24 hours will result in dismissal from the program.  See WCFA Policy and Procedures for further clarification.

Instructional Methods

Lecture, web distanced lecture, demonstration, and practical application

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program the student will have the knowledge and skills in preparation for an entry level career with federal, state, and local fire and emergency service agencies with emphasis on:

1.   Structural Firefighting

2.   Wildland fire suppression

3.   Hazardous materials incidents

4.   Fire prevention and investigation

5.   Fire management and administration

6.   Incident command systems

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified competencies in the area of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills and Personal Qualities. A SCANS matrix which includes this course is available for your review.