FAQ's
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What is the LISD Firefighter Program?
In the Spring of 2017 the Lewisville Fire Department, the Lewisville Independent School District, and North Central Texas College joined together in a cooperative effort to design and implement a dual credit firefighter and EMT certification program within the Lewisville ISD. The result of this collaboration is a two-year program that will enable participants to earn a total of 13 elective high school credits, 24 hours of college credit, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighter basic certification and the Texas Department of State Health Services EMT certification.
Applications will be accepted from students from all Lewisville high schools. Classes will be conducted at Technology, Exploration and Career Center West (TECC-West). There may be some Saturday classes held at Lewisville Fire Training facilities to complete required skills and training exercises.
Selected students will start the program at the beginning of their junior year and continue until the end of their senior year.
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What are the benefits for students who choose to participate in the program?
- Upon graduation, students will be eligible and prepared to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certification exam.
- Students will be eligible and prepared to take the Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification exam.
- Students will earn 6 high school credits.
- Students will have the opportunity to earn 24 college credit hours through North Central Texas College after completion of the program.
- Students will be prepared to pursue a college degree in fire technology at NCTC:
- Fire Investigation A.A.S. Degree
- Fire Protection A.A.S. Degree
- Students will be prepared to pursue a career in firefighting in Texas.
- Students will develop professional life skills in preparation for a career in firefighting.
- Students will be encouraged to embrace the ideas of personal wellness and fitness in preparation for a career in firefighting.
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When did the program officially begin operation?
The first class of juniors began the program in the fall of 2018.
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What is the official name of the firefighter program in LISD?
The Lewisville Independent School District Dual Credit Firefighter Program
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What are the goals of the program?
- Expose students to the Fire Service while developing a pathway for future firefighters
- Focus on developing and “Growing Our Own”
- Strengthen ties among the Fire Service, the school district, NCTC, and the community
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What is the organizational framework for the program?
The Lewisville Firefighter Program is a cooperative effort of the Lewisville Independent School District, North Central Texas College, and the Lewisville Fire Department. Students will attend classes at Technology, Exploration and Career Center West (TECC-West) in the Firefighter Program classroom. Students are taught by NCTC instructors, all of whom are professional firefighters.
For both semesters of the junior year, the content focus is on firefighting while the senior year will focus on both firefighting and EMT. After the third semester is completed, students will actively participate in live fire skills training.
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Are background checks required for students?
Students will have to pass a criminal background check prior to enrollment into the program.
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Are drug screens required for students?
Students will have to pass a drug screen prior to enrollment into the program.
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How are the students made aware of the LISD Firefighter Program?
The courses are listed in the district’s Course Description Guide, which all students can access online. Counselors advise students yearly to talk about elective courses available to students. All sophomore students in LISD will be invited to attend an information meeting via Skyward call message. Information about the LISD Firefighter Academy is available in the counseling office of each high school campuses.
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What are the prerequisites for the program?
- Be a junior at the beginning of the fall in which you will enter the program
- Be eligible to enroll as a workforce dual credit student at NCTC
- Willing to commit to a 2-year programWilling to commit to some required Saturday activities
- Good attendance and discipline history
- Doctor’s physical release
- Pass a criminal background check
- Maintain an overall grade average of 75 or better
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What are the steps in the application process?
- Attend Information Meeting: Jan. 19, 2022 at 6:30 PM at Lewisville High School
- Complete LISD Dual Credit Firefighter Application
- Will be reviewed for grades, attendance, discipline, and teacher recommendations
- Includes a required essay - Why I Want to Enroll in the LISD Firefighter Program
- Notification to applicant of invitation to continue in the selection process
- Application to NCTC Firefighter Program
- NCTC Application via the Apply Texas application process
- If demand for the program exceeds the space, applicants will be selected based on GPA and teacher recommendations.
- Notification to applicant of acceptance into the Dual Credit Firefighter Program
- Mandatory attendance at an advisement meeting with course instructors and parents to be held at LHS on
- Enrollment process
- Physician Release (Sports physical)
- Background Checks
- Drug Screen - During the program
- Medical Insurance Coverage (Accident Policy)
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How many students will be selected?
We will select approximately 25 junior students each year for the two-year program.
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Is the program available to students from all LISD high schools?
Yes, applications will be accepted from students from all LISD high school campuses.
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Are there physical requirements in order to be eligible for the program?
Yes, physical conditioning and a Physical Agility Test are required parts of the course.
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Is the program in compliance with Texas Commission on Fire Protection and Texas Department of State Health Services requirements?
This program meets all TCFP and TDSHS requirements for firefighter and EMT certification.