Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials
Degrees
Bachelor degree
Emergency Management & Homeland Security Bachelor of Science degree
- Only university in the United States to offer this IFSAC accrediated degree
Associate degree
Emergency Medical Technology/ Fire Medic Associate of Applied Science degree
Contact information
Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials
The Polsky Building 309
Akron, OH 44325-4304
330-972-6652
330-972-8856
See on map
Dennis Ragins
Director of Training
Polsky 316
330-972-2051
dragins@uakron.edu
Matt Claflin
Fire Training & Projects Coordinator
Polsky 309
mtc6@uakron.edu
Kathy Shaffer
Dept. Safety Program Specialist
330-972-8240
kfshaff@uakron.edu
Fire Academy Courses
Professional Development Classes
Spring, 2026
Summer, 2026
Fall, 2026
Advanced Fire Training
Advanced Fire Training Packages
- Forcible Entry
- Search and Rescue
- Hoseline Advancement
- "No Truck, Truck Company"
- Tactics and Strategy
- Emotional Intelligence for Company Officers
Direct Delivery Courses
- Fire Officer 1, 2, 3, 4
- HazMat Technician
- Health Safety Officer
- Incident Safety Officer
- Please contact Matt Claflin, mtc6@uakron.edu, for more information
Postsecondary (HS) programs
Four Cities Educational Compact
- Barberton
- Wadsworth
- Copley
- Norton
Fire Academy FAQs
- What certification will I have when I’m done?
- Students completing all of the class requirements and passing the State of Ohio Firefighter 1 and 2 exam will be certified at the highest level the state offers.
- Will I need to provide my own firefighter protective gear?
- Students sponsored by area departments may be given their own gear to wear.
- Students not affiliated with a department will be able to rent all of the protective gear from our 3rd party supplier.
- What are the physical requirements?
- Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation. We require a physical screening from the students doctor prior to class.
- It is also recommended that the student engage in cardiovascular and strength training before, during and after their academy.
- Our academies have group PT. (COVID-19 Update: Due to local and state requirements group PT may be suspended or conducted in a manner compliant with those requirements)
- Where is the class held?
- We offer the unique experience of holding class at actual fire departments throughout the area.
- The lead instructor will put out a schedule detailing the location of every class.
- (COVID-19 Update: Due to recommended best practices class will be held virtually when applicable.)
- Can I turn this into a degree?
- Yes. The University of Akron offers an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology and the only Emergency Management Bachelor of Science in the state which is also the only IFSAC accredited program in the country.
- What is the cost of the training?
- Current tuition rates are $3900 for the academy, plus a $600 gear rental fee if needed.
- We offer a payment plan for those that need it.
- Please email Matt Claflin at mtc6@uakron.edu for more details or questions.