Fully Involved: An important update from us. 2.12.25

GSFA • February 12, 2025
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 8.6.24

Fire Service Leaders, 

 

The Georgia Fire Academy has immediate openings in the course Basic Firefighter Training Course starting March 7, 2025. 

 

Course Description: The Basic Firefighter Training Course (BFTC) is a 10 week (428 hour) course beginning on a Friday with Day 0 for orientation and overview. The course meets or exceeds the standards in NFPA 1001 (current), as well as NFPA 1072 (current). The students will be tested mentally and physically in stages throughout the course delivery to ensure competence and ability at the various levels of basic firefighting. During the course, testing will include weekly written tests administered by the Georgia Fire Academy Division. Practical skill performance and evaluation will occur throughout the course to ensure competency in job performance capabilities necessary culminating in a 24 hour drill exercise. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved Firefighter I, HAZMAT Awareness and Operations, Structural Fire Control, and Interior Search and Rescue.

 

This is a 51-day delivery and will be held 03/07/2025 to 05/16/2025 on the Forsyth campus of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

 

Use the following link to register: Basic Firefighter Training Course - 03/07/2025 - 05/16/2025

 

See attached for further, 


 

Ike McConnell

Division Director, Georgia Fire Academy

Georgia Public Safety Training Center

478-993-4697   imcconnell@gpstc.org

www.gpstc.org

1000 Indian Springs Dr, Forsyth, GA 31029

The logo for the georgia public safety training center
Basic Firefighter Training Course Announcement

NVFC

Good morning,

 

The NVFC is excited to announce that the application period is now open for the STEPR Health and Safety Giveaway. Three volunteer fire departments will receive a STEPR PRO+ stair climber, accessory pack, initial warranty, and accompanying training to help foster physical and mental wellness among responders and provide innovative health and safety resources for those who selflessly serve their communities. A press release is attached; please share with your audience.

 

Best,

Kimberly

 

Kimberly Quiros

Chief of Communications

National Volunteer Fire Council

712 H Street, NE, Ste. 1478

Washington, DC 20002

Press release-STEPR Health and Safety Giveaway

Webinar - Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment

Feb. 13 at 2pm ET

 

Presenter: Tom Merrill

 

Many fire and EMS departments across the nation are struggling to find new volunteer members and retain their current members. This session discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers, presents valuable research collected as part of the NVFC’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and offers ideas to help overcome recruiting challenges. Potential retention solutions and the importance of leadership will also be covered.

 

Tom Merrill is a 42-year fire department veteran and serves with the Snyder Fire Department in Amherst, NY (first ring suburb of the City of Buffalo). He served 26 years as a department officer including 15 years in the chief officer ranks. He was chief of department from 2007-2012 and currently serves as a fire commissioner for the Snyder Fire District. Tom has conducted various fire service presentations and keynote addresses throughout the country and also hosts a regular podcast sponsored by Fire Engineering titled “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department.” His book, The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, was published by Fire Engineering Books and Videos and was released in September 2023. Tom is employed full time as the senior fire dispatcher in charge of the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office.

Click Here to Register

GSFA News

GSFA 2026 grant, scholarship, and award nomination deadlines
By GSFA August 14, 2026
Submit GSFA 2026 fire department grant and scholarship applications by August 19 and annual firefighter award nominations by September 15. See full details and forms
Mort Lindner, longtime GSFA Parliamentarian and volunteer firefighter
By GSFA August 13, 2026
GSFA remembers Mort Lindner, longtime Parliamentarian and 34-year volunteer firefighter with Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, who passed away August 10, 2026 at age 93
George
By GSFA August 11, 2026
Honoring George "Bubba" Julius Deverger, a decorated Georgia firefighter and commissioner who passed away after a long battle with cancer. Read service details.
GSFA 2024-2026 Board of Directors candidates and election voting information
By GSFA August 6, 2026
Meet the GSFA Board of Directors candidates for 2024-2026 and learn how voting delegates submit credential forms by August 21st to receive an electronic ballot link.
GPSTC survey reminders for fire and public safety leaders
By GSFA July 28, 2026
GPSTC annual survey due July 28 2026. Fire and public safety leaders: complete FY25-26 training feedback and update agency profiles for accurate survey access today.
Spalding County Fire Department shift schedule survey Georgia fire departments
By GSFA July 22, 2026
Spalding County Fire survey on shift schedules and scheduling changes. Three question survey for Georgia fire departments. Help evaluate scheduling option practices.
Senator John Albers 2026 Legislator of the Year Georgia State Firefighters
By GSFA July 14, 2026
GSFA names Senator John Albers 2026 Legislator of the Year for his commitment to Georgia fire service firefighter support and public safety legislation advocacy now.
Cartersville Fire 25th Anniversary 9/11 Run to Remember 5K September 12 2026
By GSFA June 10, 2026
9/11 Run to Remember 5K September 12 2026 Cartersville 25th anniversary. First responders discount code 5KFirstResponderDiscount for 5 off. Valid until September 7.
Georgia Fire Academy First Responder Inspector course June 22-25 2026 NFPA 1030
By GSFA June 1, 2026
First Responder Inspector course June 22-25 2026 Georgia Fire Academy NFPA 1030. Teaches fire safety inspections hazard identification and reporting to firefighters.
NVFC scholarship to Columbia Southern University 2026 application open volunteer
By GSFA May 17, 2026
NVFC 2026 scholarship Columbia Southern University for volunteers. Two members receive up to 60 credit hours toward any online degree program. Applications open now.
Show More