11600 Columbia College Drive Sonora, California 95370 209·588·5100

Fire Technology

"Building for the 21st Century"

The Fire Technology program combines technical and manipulative training in fire fighting. Columbia College is one of only two community colleges in the state of California to operate its own fire department which is staffed by the students enrolled in the program. Emergency responses gain practical experience for students as they provide a vital community service.

Fire Service is a profession. Career fire fighters must prepare for advancement. Through promotions, they realize greater career and goal achievement while providing an increased service to the community. Columbia College is also geared for this in-service student. Many current leaders in the field began their careers at Columbia College and continue to support and endorse this outstanding program.

Employment Opportunities and Requirements

The Fire Service offers careers in a variety of challenging and rewarding settings. In California, rapid population growth has resulted in the expansion of fire fighting agencies to meet the increased demand. Positions are available in city, county, state and federal fire service units as well as those maintained by the military, private and insurance industries, and investigative agencies. The employment picture is similar across the nation and overseas.

Educational requirements for individuals seeking employment in Fire Service are becoming increasingly demanding. The need for highly skilled technical experts in fire fighting and related fields is so great that many departments require the Associate in Science degree and most agencies require Firefighter I certification prior to employment. The existence of a functional training facility provides students the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience that has proven to be a significant advantage when competing for employment positions.

Associate of Science Degree and Certificate Program

The Fire Technology Program prepares students for careers in all areas of Fire Service. A 2-year program combining Fire Technology training with selected General Education courses is offered to allow the student to earn an Associate in Science degree, as well as complete transfer requirements for 4-year colleges and universities.

A Certificate program/Associate in Science (Occupational Education) degree is also available. The program provides the basic training requirements for California State Firefighter I certification, preparing students for entry-level positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Fire Tech Certificate of Achievement?
A. The requirements for a Certificate encompass the prerequisites of most agencies for employment. In other words, these are the minimum requirements to get a job in the Fire Service.

Q. What is the difference between an Associate in Science Degree and Associate in Science (Occupational Education) Degree?
A. The A.S. Degree is transferable to 4-year programs. This is the degree for students, who want to make firefighting a full-time professional career.
An A.S.O.E. Degree is not transferable and is therefore a better choice for those, who intend to pursue firefighting as a part-time, or volunteer activity.

Alumni of the Columbia College Fire Department

Are you an alumni of the Columbia College Fire Department? If so, we would appreciate hearing from you!
We would like to know where you are, and what you are doing now.

Please send an e-mail to Captain Birdwell: birdwellp@yosemite.cc.ca.us

or write to:

Captain Preston Birdwell.
Columbia College
11600 Columbia College Drive
Sonora, CA 95370-8582

Thank you!

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This page was last updated:
Thursday July 26, 2007