Training Academy

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Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services’ Training Academy is the foundation of professional excellence within the department. Training begins with rigorous fire and emergency medical instruction and continues throughout each employee’s career, following a structured path of growth and advancement. In-service training and continuing education ensure personnel remain current with evolving standards, techniques, and technologies. The Academy’s Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, reflecting the highest standards for AEMT and Paramedic education.

The Training Academy is supported by state-of-the-art facilities designed for both classroom learning and hands-on experience. These include a burn building, training tower, apparatus building, and a low-speed driving course. In 2015, voter-approved 2009 SPLOST funding enabled the expansion of the campus with a three-bay apparatus storage building, a training pavilion, and a two-story, 35,000-square-foot education building—further enhancing the Academy’s ability to deliver realistic, scenario-based training.

Through comprehensive instruction, modern facilities, and accredited programs, the Training Academy upholds the department’s commitment to service excellence and prepares firefighters and medics to meet the needs of Gwinnett County’s residents with skill, confidence, and professionalism. 

Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy

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The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy prepares employees for a career in fire and emergency medical services. Training begins with initial certification and continues throughout each employee’s career with advanced instruction and ongoing education.

The Academy’s Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring high-quality training and nationally recognized standards.

Training Facilities

The Training Academy includes specialized facilities that support both classroom learning and hands-on training:

  • Burn building
  • Training tower
  • Apparatus building
  • Low-speed driving course

Additional facilities funded through the 2009 SPLOST program include:

  • Three-bay apparatus storage building
  • Training pavilion
  • Two-story, 35,000-square-foot education building

These facilities allow for realistic, scenario-based training as well as traditional classroom instruction.

Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee Program

Program Overview

The Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee is an entry-level position within the department. All candidates must complete a paid, in-house training program that lasts approximately nine months.

Training is full time, typically eight hours per day, with schedules that may vary based on program needs.

Training and Certifications

Recruits receive instruction in:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Firefighting operations
  • Community risk reduction
  • Public interaction
  • Physical fitness

During the program, recruits earn:

  • NPQ Firefighter I
  • NPQ Firefighter II
  • National Registry EMT

Training includes daily evaluations, physical conditioning, skills drills, and clinical rotations on Gwinnett County medical units. All requirements must be successfully completed to graduate.

After Graduation

After completing the Training Academy, recruits are assigned to field operations and work a 24-hour on / 48-hour off schedule. Employees are assigned to one of three shifts: A, B, or C.

On-Duty Responsibilities

  • Inspect personal protective equipment
  • Check and maintain apparatus and tools
  • Clean and maintain the station
  • Participate in training and community outreach
  • Respond to emergency calls

Shifts begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 a.m. the following day.

Career Development

The Training Academy supports continued growth and advancement. Employees who meet experience and certification requirements may enroll in the Paramedic Program to become Firemedics.

Paramedic certification is required for competitive promotions, including positions such as Lieutenant.

Additional Information

  • Training combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and real-world experience
  • Programs are designed to support long-term career development
  • The Academy helps maintain the department’s high standard of service to Gwinnett County residents

Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy

page-img

The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy prepares employees for a career in fire and emergency medical services. Training begins with initial certification and continues throughout each employee’s career with advanced instruction and ongoing education.

The Academy’s Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring high-quality training and nationally recognized standards.

Training Facilities

The Training Academy includes specialized facilities that support both classroom learning and hands-on training:

  • Burn building
  • Training tower
  • Apparatus building
  • Low-speed driving course

Additional facilities funded through the 2009 SPLOST program include:

  • Three-bay apparatus storage building
  • Training pavilion
  • Two-story, 35,000-square-foot education building

These facilities allow for realistic, scenario-based training as well as traditional classroom instruction.

Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee Program

Program Overview

The Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee is an entry-level position within the department. All candidates must complete a paid, in-house training program that lasts approximately nine months.

Training is full time, typically eight hours per day, with schedules that may vary based on program needs.

Training and Certifications

Recruits receive instruction in:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Firefighting operations
  • Community risk reduction
  • Public interaction
  • Physical fitness

During the program, recruits earn:

  • NPQ Firefighter I
  • NPQ Firefighter II
  • National Registry EMT

Training includes daily evaluations, physical conditioning, skills drills, and clinical rotations on Gwinnett County medical units. All requirements must be successfully completed to graduate.

After Graduation

After completing the Training Academy, recruits are assigned to field operations and work a 24-hour on / 48-hour off schedule. Employees are assigned to one of three shifts: A, B, or C.

On-Duty Responsibilities

  • Inspect personal protective equipment
  • Check and maintain apparatus and tools
  • Clean and maintain the station
  • Participate in training and community outreach
  • Respond to emergency calls

Shifts begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 a.m. the following day.

Career Development

The Training Academy supports continued growth and advancement. Employees who meet experience and certification requirements may enroll in the Paramedic Program to become Firemedics.

Paramedic certification is required for competitive promotions, including positions such as Lieutenant.

Additional Information

  • Training combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and real-world experience
  • Programs are designed to support long-term career development
  • The Academy helps maintain the department’s high standard of service to Gwinnett County residents