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Program Coordinator Edward Burnley

Every year fires take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Firefighters help protect the public against this danger. They risk their lives to help insure the safety of individuals and property.

Lewis and Clark’s Fire Science program can help you develop the skills to save a person’s property or life. You’ll learn how to respond to different types of fires, what it takes to minimize property damage, and how to help someone who is a victim of a fire, accident or health problem.

Your training at Lewis and Clark also will include examining fire prevention techniques. You’ll study building inspection procedures and the role public education can play in helping prevent fires.

Program Learning Objectives

  1. Instruction and practice with classroom and laboratory experiences in the technical aspects and the use of the firefighting equipment

  2. Understand the laws and legal procedures relating to fire prevention, firefighting, and arson

  3. Instruction and practice in inspection and other fire prevention activities

  4. Insight concerning the role of a public servant

Nature of Work: Firefighters are called upon to handle all kinds of emergency situations. While fire suppression and prevention are still the primary functions of the fire service, firefighters are now called upon to handle incidents involving hazardous chemicals, transportation accidents, medical emergencies, cave-ins, building collapses, etc. At any emergency situation, firefighters perform specific and often complicated duties as part of a well-coordinated team. Duties range from connecting hose lines to very complex rescue or medical procedures. Other duties include building inspections, construction plan reviews, and public education programs. Firefighting is among the most hazardous of occupations.

Skills and Abilities: Firefighters must have excellent physical stamina, courage, mechanical aptitude and initiative. Firefighters must be able to work as a team and have the ability to make and implement quick decisions. Basic mathematical skills and knowledge of basic chemistry are required. A strong sense of public service is a must!

Important Notice: Students have 10 years to successfully complete all Fire Science courses leading to the completion of a degree or certificate. Students who can show proof of continuous membership in an established fire department for a minimum of five years shall have 15 years to successfully complete all Fire Science courses leading to the completion of a degree or certificate. Students who have taken Fire Science courses more than 10 years (15 years for fire department members) prior to the completion of the program may reestablish credit for those courses by: proficiency testing or repeating the course(s).

Benjamin Godfrey Campus • 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, Illinois 62035 • (618) 468-7000 or 1-800-YES-LCCC

N. O. Nelson Campus • 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville, Illinois 62025 • (618) 468-5851

Confluence Field Station • 1 Confluence Way, East Alton, Illinois 62024 • (618) 468-2900

Scott Bibb Center • 1004 East 5th Street, Alton, Illinois 62002 • (618) 468-4110

Macoupin County Community Education Center • 18400 Shipman Road, Carlinville, Illinois 62626 • (217) 854-5400

Tri-County Community Education Center • 100 Lincoln Avenue, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052 • (618) 498-6500

Bethalto Training Center • 1136 East Airline Drive, Bethalto, Illinois 62024 • (618) 468-5787


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