Valdez Fire Department will be conducting a Firefighter Academy starting in March 2016. Classes will continue until June 15, 2016 when you will be tested for IFSAC certifications. We have instructors in the department that will be teaching you the skills to enter a burning building and extinguish flames. Valdez is a beautiful community nestled in front of the Port of Valdez and up against the Mountain side. Fishing is great and the water is cold... We average just over 300 inches of snow annually. Population of just under 4,000 people. | Requirements: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the residents or visitors in our community. You will need to be able to attend the classes and skills stations. We usually have classes Monday and Wednesday evening at the station and then on Saturday we take you to the training ground to perform the skills you just finished learning in the class room. Live burns will teach you how a fire acts and how weather can assist the fires spread fast. Your physical ability will be tested by wearing the turnouts (35 lbs) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (another 35 lbs) and climbing the three story tower. If that is not enough you will then be pulling up hoses to use to extinguish the fires from the third floor. You will be able to drag Rescue Andy (180 lbs) a minimum 75 feet after your use the sledge hammer to move a steel beam seven feet, Hopefully I have not scared you off. | Categories: Firefighter, Department Support, Community Education, Fundraising, EMT