Senator Kristin Corrado’s legislation to help firefighters use their academy training to earn college credits advanced in the Senate Higher Education Committee.

“Firefighters-in-training gain valuable experience throughout their fire academy classes that hold the same weight as college courses,” said Corrado (R-40). “Accrediting fire service training opens the door to career advancement, creating a clear path to a fire science bachelor’s degree. This will allow professional firefighters to better understand how to address hazards, properly manage emergencies, appropriately coordinate fire responses, and increase their knowledge of building construction. Ensuring four-year state colleges will award these credits is a common-sense move to help firefighters climb the career ladder and better protect New Jersey residents, property, and the community at large.”

Corrado’s legislation, S-3519, would allow a firefighter who successfully completed a course at a county fire academy to received college credit through a four-year public college that offers a fire science degree program. The bill also directs county fire academies to work together with four-year colleges to identify similar classes between the two schools.

Degrees in fire science can lead to management positions in firefighting, fire safety, and fire investigation.