LINDALE, Texas — Thanks to partnership with the local fire department and Tyler Junior College, Lindale High School students will be able to graduate with a state certification in firefighting.
Lindale ISD said Wednesday the district, the Lindale Fire Department and TJC have joined together to design and implement a dual credit firefighter certification program at LISD.
This emergency services program of study focuses on training students how to respond to emergency situations, including medical and fire-based.
“TJC is very excited to provide the fire academy program in partnership with Lindale ISD,” said lead TJC instructor Jeff Akin. “This program will give students the opportunity to graduate high school with a state certification in structural firefighting."
Akin added this would not be possible without the strong partnership with Lindale ISD and the Lindale Volunteer Fire Department.
Through this two-year program, students will earn 24 hours of college credit and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection basic firefighter certification, Lindale ISD said. The school district will cover all costs, including tuition, fees, textbooks, uniform and gear rentals.
Classes will be held at Lindale High School and students will take some field trips to the Lindale Fire Department fire training facility to complete required skill exercises. Chosen students will start in their junior year and continue the courses until the end of their senior year, LISD said.
“Lindale Volunteer Fire Chief, Joe Yeakley, and the Lindale volunteer fire department members are instrumental in making this program a success by providing students access to their fire training field and firefighting equipment,” Akin said. “Many of the Lindale firefighters are also heavily involved in student instruction. We look forward to providing students a pathway into the fire service career.”