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Training Center and Program Contacts

Education Manager
Proactive Recruitment Training Program
Kelly Rucker
KellyRucker@polkfl.gov

Rescue Ready Recruits
Deputy Chief Yevgeniy Gorokhov
YevgeniyGorokhov@polkfl.gov

Cadet Program
Deputy Chief Jennifer Huff
JenniferHuff@polkfl.gov

Training Center and Programs

Training Center

Aerial view of the Polk County Fire Rescue Training Center, showing firefighters practicing emergency response skills around a five-story training tower. Fire trucks, emergency vehicles, hoses and training equipment surround the tower, with wooded areas in the background. The Polk County Fire Rescue Training Center provides comprehensive training and professional development opportunities for firefighters, emergency medical personnel and public safety professionals. The 15-acre facility in Winter Haven offers a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training and realistic emergency simulations designed to strengthen skills, improve teamwork and enhance emergency response capabilities.

The center features a five-story burn tower, fire behavior laboratory, emergency medical simulation rooms, classrooms, fitness facilities and specialized training areas. These resources support a wide range of training opportunities, including firefighting techniques, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, vehicle fire suppression and leadership development.

By providing access to advanced training equipment and realistic emergency scenarios, the center supports new firefighter training, continuing education and specialized skill development. The facility also creates opportunities for collaboration with other public safety agencies.

Through ongoing education and practical experience, the Polk County Fire Rescue Training Center helps prepare emergency responders to protect the lives, property and well-being of Polk County residents and visitors.

Training Programs

Cadet Program

The Cadet Program offers Polk County high-school students hands-on training in firefighting, Emergency Medical Services and rescue training. The program focuses on leadership development, teamwork and character building. It provides students with community service opportunities and a pathway into the fire rescue service.

Learn more about the Cadet Program

The following criteria are the minimum requirements for eligibility in the Cadet Program:

Ages 14-18.
Must have completed eighth grade.
Live in Polk County or attend a Polk County school.
Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. (C grade average)
No criminal record or major school disciplinary actions.
Prepared to follow PCFR rules, safety practices and chain of command.

Proactive Recruitment Training Program (PRTP)

The Proactive Recruitment and Training Program provides economically disadvantaged adult Polk County residents interested in a public safety career an opportunity to become a Firefighter/EMT. This program offers access to fire, Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic training. Those hired are offered benefits and an hourly wage.

Learn more about the Proactive Recruitment Training Program

The following criteria are the minimum requirements for eligibility in the Proactive Recruitment Training Program:

At least 18 years of age.
Graduate of an accredited high school or possession of an equivalent diploma.
Must be a continuous Polk County resident for two years prior to application and maintain residency throughout participation.
Valid State of Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (no recent suspensions, major violations, or patterns of unsafe behavior). Must have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.
Passes criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, medical evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation.
Physically capable of performing essential fire and EMS training duties, including successful completion of required agility testing.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Meets HUD low-income household guidelines (≤50% Area Median Income), based on the most current HUD Income Limits published for the applicable year, and provides required documentation.
Does not currently hold State of Florida Firefighter or EMT certification.

Demonstrates good moral character and ability to commit to the program’s expectations and values.

Special Requirements:

Must maintain an active cellphone for communication and scheduling.
Must successfully obtain and maintain FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security clearance.
Must obtain a State of Florida Paramedic Certification within three years of completing the program (required for continued employment).
Upon selection for employment, must sign a reimbursement agreement covering program training costs if voluntarily leaving within two years of achieving required certifications.
Must complete all training required for Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), State of Florida Firefighter II, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) certification.

Rescue Ready Recruits

The Rescue Ready Recruit professional development program allows Polk County residents who are 18 and older to begin a career in public safety. Candidates accepted into the cohort begin a multiphase program starting with Emergency Medical Technician training with Polk County Fire Rescue staff. Once EMT training is successfully completed, candidates must pass the National Registry exam and successfully complete Fire Rescue and paramedic training while receiving an hourly wage.

Learn more about the Rescue Ready Recruits Program

The following criteria are the minimum requirements for eligibility in the Rescue Ready Recruits Program:

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Certifies under oath that individual is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.
Certifies under oath that individual is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair his/her ability to drive an ambulance and perform his/her duties.
Must be a Polk County, Florida, resident continuously for the two (2) years prior to application for this position.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment within this classification.
Must complete the required PCFR Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training successfully.
Must complete the required panel interview.
Must complete a physical ability test elected by PCFR.
Terms of educational requirements are listed in a mandatory agreement between the employee and PCFR.
Must pass a drug screening test, medical screening, criminal background check and physiological exam.
Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Employees hired into this position after Jan. 1, 2013, must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.
Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A-37 Firefighters Standards and Training. Must sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging the risks and dangers associated with the firefighter and/or EMT role.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This full-time position is based in Polk County, Florida. Flexibility may be required to support emergencies outside of regular business hours. Recruit must successfully complete the following requirements:

National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Certification
Emergency Medical Technician License (State of Florida)
Firefighter Certification of Compliance (State of Florida)

Anyone hired under this job description has the following paramedic requirements:

Enrollment to paramedic school within 12 months of the hire date or first available class.
Completion of paramedic school within 13 months after enrollment.

This means the total time of completion is 25 months.

Management has the right to extend any of the requirements based on the availability of paramedic school and/or paramedic orientation.
Failure to successfully complete any of the above certificates/licensures shall result in termination of employment.
Upon completion of obtaining their Florida State certified Emergency Medical Technician Certification and Florida State Fire Certificate the recruit will then enroll in the next available course to complete the terms of their employment agreement.