Fire Academy is the cornerstone of all the knowledge firefighter's learn throughout their career. It is here that our Recruits are taught the basic skills and knowledge of the craft, and it is here that they come to know the dangers, physical and mental demands, and rewards of the Fire Service.
Our Fire Academy is held twice a week and Saturdays beginning in January with classroom and basic skills training ending in August (timeframe is subject to change based on all of the information and instruction provided). During this time, the Recruits are allowed to respond on calls, as long as their training level allows it, any time they are not in academy class. The recruit class is not held to the minimum shift attendance standards as their sole focus is placed on their studies. Towards the end of the fire academy, the academy class typically begins to work shifts with the on duty fire crews. During this time they begin to experience the Fire Service outside of the classroom and drill ground.
Recruits successfully completing the Academy may elect to be sworn in and begin their volunteer service to the Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue at their graduation ceremony. The Bennett Fire Academy includes training and certification through the level of Colorado State Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials-Operations (HazMat Ops), and First Responder (or EMT if programming is available) for those with no previous medical experience.