Lakeland Community College
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E.  Lee Silvi
Program Director
Telephone 
440.525.7252
Office
B-3040
Email
lsilvi@lakelandcc.edu

Related Info
Lakeland Emergency Management Planning & Administration

Social Science & Public Service

Lakeland Community College Launches Law Careers Fire Science
Lakeland has one of only two fire science labs in Northeast Ohio.  The lab is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. 

The fire science program offered at Lakeland focuses on two groups: the pre-service group working toward a two-year degree; and the in-service group looking to advance in a current career. Both groups can take up-to-date courses in a state-of-the-art training facility. Classes are taught by a faculty who are trained service firefighters. This program also offers pre-service students the chance to participate in ride-alongs with local fire departments, where the student can assist with hoses and perform other job functions as permitted by the host department. 

Benefits of the program
Lakeland provides hands-on training in one of only two fire science labs in northeast Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility includes: automatic sprinkler system risers, a working fire alarm system, demonstration area, and a large storage room for firefighting equipment. Lakeland was the first college in the area to offer a chemistry of fire course. The program provides educational and training experiences that enable students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to obtain an entry level job in a fire service or related field. Some departments also award bonus points on the entry level and promotional civil service exams to students who have an associate's degree in fire science.

Graduates Succeed
The field of fire science is an essential service. According to the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, a 10 percent annual growth rate in employment is expected for firefighters in Ohio. The demand for professionals in this field will remain high over the next 10 years because many full-time firefighters will be eligible for retirement. Lakeland fire science technology graduates not only work for municipal fire departments, but also for airports, private industrial fire protection organizations, insurance companies, and as consultants. 
     
    Trends in the Field
    Fire science is an exciting, challenging and gratifying career. The courses at Lakeland reflect the philosophies and techniques of today's fire service leaders. The firefighter's job has become more comprehensive to include: the control, prevention and cleanup of hazardous material; technical rescue training; and assisting in the recovery from natural disasters. Lakeland's courses prepare students for these events by offering a curriculum which is kept up-to-date. 
     
    Academic Programs
    Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology Fire Science Technology Certificate 1 + 1 Program in Fire Technology Students can earn an associate of applied science degree in fire science technology at Lakeland by taking the technical courses in fire science at Lakeland and the general education and other designated courses at Kent State University's regional campus in Ashtabula. 
     
    Faculty
    Faculty Fire Science Program The fire science faculty are practicing fire or life safety officials, giving students the opportunity to learn from those who are already succeeding in the field. Guest lecturers address various facets of firefighting in their areas of expertise.
     
    Necessary? 
    Although college training is not yet essential to become a firefighter, some area fire departments award bonus points on entry examinations to candidates who hold an associate degree. Many others are considering implementation of degree requirements for promotion.
     
    Career Opportunities
    The career outlook in fire science is excellent. The Ohio Bureau of Employment Services projects a 10 percent annual growth in employment of firefighters in Ohio. Locally, departments expanded and hired many new firefighters in the late 1960's and early 1970's. These firefighters will be retiring over the next few years, thus creating many new openings. According to a 1997 Northeast Ohio Firefighter's Survey entry compensation packages of firefighters in Northeast Ohio average $33,200 and can climb to $41.600. Salaries are usually higher in larger communities and lower in smaller communities. Once you are promoted to an officer's position you can earn substantially more. Fire science technology alumni not only work for municipal fire departments but also for airports, private industrial fire protection, insurance companies and as consultants. The fire science degree can also be used as a stepping stone for future advancement in other degree programs. Your fire science degree can be transferred to other colleges leading to degrees such as bachelor of Science in Fire Administration, Public Administration or Criminal Justice, or a Master of Public Administration degree. These degrees could qualify one for a position as safety director, city manager, or other government administrative positions.
     
    1 + 1 Agreement with Kent State Ashtabula
   
Lakeland and Kent State administrators sign the 1 + 1 agreement.
Left to right are Dr. Ruth Zollinger, former vice president of academics, Lakeland Community College; Dr. Gary Ensign, Dean of Kent State Regional Campus at Ashtabula; Mr. Christopher Dalheim, Kent State; Mr. Chuck Fye, Dean of Social Sciences and Public Service Technologies at Lakeland.

Kent State Ashtabula and Lakeland Community College have joined forces to help fill the area’s firefighting forces.  The two campuses signed a dual admission agreement to establish the LCC associate of applied science in Fire Science more readily available to students in Ashtabula County. 

Ashtabula residents will be able to take the non-fire technology courses at KSU-A, and then get trained in LCC’s laboratory.  This brings the basis for very important safety training to Ashtabula county. 

The program is designed for both those who want to enter the field already equipped with solid technical knowledge, management skills and communication fundamentals, and for the experienced practitioner who wants to progress up the career ladder. 

College training is not essential to becoming a firefighter, but today’s firefighters who want to advance need to understand principles of fire suppression and prevention, incident command, architecture investigation and management techniques.  Some area fire departments are awarding bonus points on entry examinations to candidates who hold an associate’s degree.  Many other departments are also considering implementation of degree requirements in order for one to be promoted. 

The agreement was signed by administrators from Kent State Ashtabula and Lakeland Community College and will go into affect for the Fall 2000 term.

     
    Resources 
    American Fire Sprinkler Association
American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Disaster News Network
Emergency News Network
Emergency Management Institute (NETC)
Environmental News Network: Home Page
Environmental News Network: Fires
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Fire and Emergency News Network
Fire Chief Magazine
Fire Department Safety Officer Association
Fire Enginnering Magazine
Fire Suppression Systems Association
Firehouse Magazine
Firewise (Wildland-Urban Interface)
International Association of Arson Investigators
International Association of Emergency Managers
International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Association of Firefighters
International Fire Sprinkler Association
Miscellaneous Fire Service Links
National Emergency Management Association
National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association
National Fire Protection Association
National Fire Sprinkler Association
National Volunteer Fire Council
Northern Ohio Firefighters Association
Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters
Ohio Division of EMS (Fire/EMS/Trauma/EMSC/More)
Ohio Fire Chiefs AssociationOhio Fire Marshal / Ohio Fire Academy
Operation Life Safety ("OLS")
Residential Fire Safety (formerly "OLS")
United States Fire Administration (NETC)
US Department of Transportation: HazMat
US Department of Transportation Home Page
Opportunity Starts Here
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