FFD’s Recruit Academy is approximately 20 weeks and covers firefighting and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training if needed.

The 20-week Academy consists of two weeks (80 hours) of EMR training and 18 weeks of firefighting training. The Academy, which is 40 hours/week, takes place at FFD’s Training Center, located at 419 Century Court, and utilizes FFD instructors.

FFD’s Academy adheres to the standards set by the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting and utilizes the Jones and Bartlett Fundamentals of Firefighting Skills and Hazardous Materials Response (Enhanced 3^rd Edition) textbook.

Recruits participate in physical training during the Academy that includes running, strength training, and team building skills. By the end of the Academy, recruits will test for EMR (unless already medically qualified), Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II.