The Difference Starts Here

View a video of Salem County Fire Academy recruits during physical training.

The Salem County Fire Academy and it’s staff are clearly setting the benchmark for high quality fire service education. In these days of complex and dynamic emergency responses as well as the day to day challenges of the fire service, both career and volunteer, fire fighters must be better prepared for the job(s) at hand. Over the past five years we have consistently sought to improve our programs in content and professional delivery, while taking a firm stance with our Fire Fighter recruit program of instilling the highest levels of military decorum, discipline and respect necessary to appropriately prepare these new fire fighters for the challenges ahead of them while providing them the basics of the fire service’s rich history and traditions. Our FF1 program is rigorous in many ways, physically, mentally, lifestyle, as well as educationally. We expect nothing but the highest levels of motivation and commitment from those transiting the program and have set our bar very high. The recruits are exposed to military drill including formations, marching and decorum. We believe this instills the ideals of chain of command and respect for authority. Each recruit is also exposed to physical fitness training including running and exercise and undergoes a fitness evaluation which monitors their baseline vitals signs, weight, body fat content and hydration /water content levels. The recruits also receive valuable nutrition and healthy life style guidance from professionals in that field. Additionally, while on Academy grounds for the FF1 program, there is a no tobacco policy in effect. We are passionate about the health & welfare of the fire fighters coming into the service as well as those already there. With these health related initiatives, we hope to begin to make a difference, even though a small difference, in the fire fighter deaths linked to health issues. Our proactive educational stance on all aspects of FF1 training, including but not limited to fire fighter survival, fire fighter safety, building construction, etc. are built around the concept of providing the fire fighter with the proper educational foundation, skill set and mindset to effective and safely perform the tasks which might confront him or her. Our staff’s intent is to mold the individuals into fire fighters that they themselves would be confident in taking them into a burning building with them. As our motto clearly states “ We educate and train so Everyone Goes Home”. This ideal is never compromised and we do know…. we are making a difference.