Services and Programs

The Victoria Fire Department (VFD) offers a basic firefighter academy that combines online coursework with hands-on training days. The 16-week VFD Fire Academy includes 500 hours of training with 100 firefighting skills to master.

The Academy includes the following training:

  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Hazardous Materials-Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials-Operations

The online portion of the Academy allows for schedule flexibility. Students can expect 16 to 20 hours per week of online course work that can be completed at their own pace, in addition to 10 hours per day of physical and hands-on training held at the VFD Training Facility/Drill Field on Saturdays during the Academy.

Goal

By combining these two teaching methods, it is the goal of the VFD Fire Academy to prepare graduates with the skills needed to complete written testing from the State over basic fire suppression, a certifiable status with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The program provides an intensive physical training aspect to ensure students are well prepared for the firefighting profession. By the end of the program, students will have the necessary skills, training, discipline, knowledge, and confidence to enter the workforce when hired by a Fire Department and face the challenges of a career in firefighting.

The City of Victoria Fire Department provides coordinators to oversee the operations of the program, while members of the Fire Department serve as instructors.

Class Registration

The VFD Spring 2023 Fire Academy registration is now closed. To apply for the VFD Fire Academy, applicants must be 18. Preference will be given to applicants with a Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification or higher. Students must also complete a fire department physical ability test and pass the National Firefighter Selection written exam. The cost of the VFD Fire Academy is TBA and includes uniforms, required books, and study materials. Students will be responsible for providing their structural firefighting clothing.

Online registration for the Fire Academy is currently closed. Check back in the Summer of 2023.

Additional Information

For more information about the VFD Fire Academy, please call 361-485-3470 or email the Fire Department.