Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The emergency fire program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS #008 for firefighter education and follows the curriculum according to the Ohio Administrative Code 4765 for all levels of firefighters.

The fire service is a noble and gratifying career. Firefighters are called upon to respond to many different situations. The main goals of a firefighter are to save life, protect property, to render humanitarian and special services, and to safeguard the environment. On any given day a firefighter may be called upon to respond to structural fires, car fires, animal rescues, brush fires, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue, and more. Firefighters are confronted with challenging situations and must act quickly and decisively to mitigate these incidents to protect the public and themselves from harm. Firefighters are held in high regard by the public they serve.

According to various sections of the Ohio Law and Regulations for Certification and Licensure Boards, persons convicted of any felony will not be accepted into the emergency fire services and the emergency medical services programs at Stark State College. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor may not be accepted into the emergency fire services and emergency medical services programs at Stark State College. For more information, contact the Emergency Fire Services Program Coordinator.

To enroll in a firefighter course a student must:

• enroll in the College
• be age 17 AND in the last year of high school, OR 18 and out of high school.
• complete a BCI background check.
• complete required health physical.
• Meet admission requirements as set forth in OAC 4765.
• submit a firefighter application to the Department of Emergency Services.

For more information contact Eric Dyrlund at 330-305-6633 #5.