Portland Fire & Rescue’s Recruit Academy is a nationally recognized program.  The Recruit Academy includes comprehensive classroom instruction and high-level training in the latest firefighting techniques and equipment use.

The Journey to Becoming a Portland Firefighter
After Firefighter Trainees successfully complete the 8-week Training Program, they will be sworn, join Firefighter Recruits, and attend the 16-week Firefighter Recruit Academy as Firefighter Recruits.  The curriculum includes fireground hydraulics and pump theory, complex hose evolutions and ladder raises, and a more in-depth understanding and application of fireground tools and equipment, including the self-contained breathing apparatus.

If Firefighter Recruits successfully complete the academy, they will be transferred to Station 2, a working fire station.  At Station 2, Recruits will learn bureau Emergency Medical Service protocols, practice challenging scenario based evolutions, and be available to respond on emergency calls.  Under the supervision of training officers and firefighter specialists, the Recruits will spend three months training on an engine company, then three months with a truck company.

After completing six months of training at Station 2, successful Recruits will then be transferred to stations around the City of Portland where they spend another eight weeks of independent learning and continuing evaluation.