BC3 Public Safety Training

We started July with one retirement, staff promotions, and we still haven’t slowed down!

It has been a busy July at BC3 PSTF behind the scenes, with several improvements and projects completed.

✅ We updated our confined space prop to improve training opportunities.
✅ Thanks to Scott and many others, we have been working hard to clean up the fire grounds and complete maintenance on our props.
✅ We added a third propane cylinder, allowing us to provide bigger and better fire scenarios for our students. 🔥
✅ Thanks to Sarah and Tina, the main lobby and office area in the PSTF building received a fresh makeover with some great updates.
✅ Congratulations to the Beaver County FireFighters Association Entry Level Program graduates!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make all of these July projects happen! Your hard work and dedication continue to make the BC3 PSTF a better place for our students, instructors, and first responders.

Stay Prepared. Stay Trained. Stay Certified. 🚒

🚒 Firefighter II (FFII) Class & Certification at BC3 PSTF 🚒

Beginning September 14, BC3 PSTF will be offering a Firefighter II (FFII) Class & Certification.

💲 Cost: $385 per person (includes both the class and certification)

⏳ Registration Deadline: August 31 or before the certification reaches full capacity.

For complete class information and to register, visit: www.BC3.edu/fire

Please help us spread the word by liking, sharing, and tagging someone who may be interested.

Thank you for your support!

🚒 Need Help Understanding the New Requirements for Support, FFI, & FFII Certifications?

We can help! We created a Certification Pathway Guide to help candidates and fire departments better understand the new requirements and the steps needed to achieve Support Firefighter, FFI, and FFII Certifications.

📄 Click here to view and print the PDF guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qYVAoX1CJixlMJLeg4t4qEU95CbA8994/view?usp=drive_link

🚨 Need to take the BEL22_26 Bridge Course? If you are a candidate, or have someone at your station who needs the bridge course, please add your name to the interest list. BEL22_26 Bridge Course Interest List: https://forms.gle/e7sA5dWn9w8CWDU6A

Please note: The interest form will be removed on 8/1.

PLEASE Share this post with your members so everyone has the correct information as we transition to the new certification requirements.

For a step-by-step guide to the Certification Application Process, please visit: https://bc3.edu/programs/workforce-development/public-safety-training/fire-rescue-hazmat/certification-testing.html

🔥 Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay trained. Stay certified.

🚒 Support Firefighter & Firefighter I Certification Reminder 🚒

Candidates have until July 22, 2026 to submit their completed Support Firefighter and/or Firefighter I (FFI) Certification Applications, along with their supporting documentation, to receive the discounted registration fee for the certification testing scheduled on August 25 and August 29, 2026.

Before enrolling in the certification, each candidate must complete the following:

✅ Complete the registration form or payment and submit it with your application.
✅ Complete both the Support Firefighter and/or Firefighter I (FFI) “1010” Certification Applications.
✅ Submit completed applications, required supporting documentation, and registration form.
Certification applications can be found here:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/osfc/pa-firefighters/certifications

A step-by-step guide to help with the application process is available here:
https://bc3.edu/programs/workforce-development/public-safety-training/fire-rescue-hazmat/certification-testing.html

Don’t wait until the last minute—make sure your paperwork is submitted by July 22, 2026 to secure the discounted certification testing fee.

None discount deadline is 8/8/26.

Please feel free to share this post!!

Fall FFII Thoughts??? Deadline 7/22/26

Background:
Our current plan beginning in January 2027 is to offer one open-enrollment Firefighter Entry Level Program - Support & Firefighter I (FELP) at the Cranberry Township Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in the spring, along with an open-enrollment Firefighter II (FFII) course at the BC3 Public Safety Training Facility (PSTF) including all of the respective certifications.

In the fall, we plan to switch locations, with Cranberry Twp. PSTC hosting FFII and BC3 PSTF hosting the FELP.

This plan only affects our open-enrollment classes and certifications. It does not affect closed classes or department-sponsored certifications.

With the FFII certification changes that took effect in July, we offered several FFII certifications in the months leading up to the changes. Because of that, we had not planned to offer another FFII course this fall, assuming most interested candidates had already completed it before the new requirements took effect.

We're looking for feedback from you and your department. Would you or your members be interested in attending a 40-hour FFII course and certification this fall. The class would be split over a few weeknight classes and a few weekends for the skills.

Let us know in the poll of your thoughts. Your input will help us determine whether there's enough interest to schedule the class and certification.
Link to the Google Poll: https://forms.gle/STUy3CA82oMFT8376

Deadline to complete the poll is 7/22/26.

Please feel free to share this post.

Requirements for FFII:
ICs Course(s)
Firefighter I
FFII Class (40 hours)
Hazmat operations class or refresher
Vehicle Rescue Operations

Please see FFII candidate handbook for details about the requirements

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

The Suburban Standpipe and Elevator Class has been restructured into just Elevator due to low enrollment. Jason Jones from JLL Solutions was generous enough to donate a single day (Saturday) "Managing Elevator Emergencies" class.

Most do not know this, but Jason and JLL Solutions donated a free class to our friends at the Beaver County Firefighter's Association in return for them providing some free conference passes to a few lucky individuals. Although we do not like to add classes this late in the game, we could not pass up the opportunity to support a good friend and supporter of the Jimmy Ellis Training Weekend.

The single day SATURDAY has been added to the options for registration and can be selected as part of the full weekend conference pass or as an add on to the FRIDAY only pass.

https://ellistraining.regfox.com/jimmy-ellis-training-weekend

🚒 Looking to Start Your Fire Service Career?

The BC3 Public Safety Training Facility (PSTF) is now accepting registrations for our **Firefighter Entry Level Program** beginning September 9!

Whether you're looking to volunteer with your local fire department or pursue a career in the fire service, this program provides the training you need to get started.

📅 Entry Level Program Begins: September 9
📍 Location: BC3 Public Safety Training Facility

🔗 **For program details and registration, visit: ww.bc3.edu/fire

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🔥 Already have the training but still need your certifications?

BC3 PSTF is also offering Support Firefighter and FFI Certification Testing** on August 25 and August 29. This is a great opportunity for candidates who have completed the required training and are ready to earn their certifications.

📢 Please help us spread the word by liking, sharing, and tagging anyone who may be interested!

Update on the Summer Entry-Level Firefighter Program that starts next week:

We had enough students register to host the Support Firefighter portion of the program. Unfortunately, we did not have enough students to run the Firefighter I class.

Rather than cancel the certification portion of the program, we've decided to open the certification to all qualified firefighters.

If you or someone you know needs their Support Firefighter and/or Firefighter I certification, we have openings for the certification being held on August 25 & 29.

For additional information and registration details, please visit www.bc3.edu/fire

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your local fire departments and firefighters!

Public Service Announcement for the 4th of July...

This morning, most of us woke up with all 10 digits. Let's make sure we all wake up tomorrow the same way!!! Don't be the person who earns a new nickname like "Stumpy," "Nine," or "Lefty." 😄

Leave the fireworks to the professionals, celebrate responsibly, and keep all your digits attached!

Be safe, have fun, and Happy 4th of July!

What a crazy 24 hours at BC3 PSTF!

Yesterday, we celebrated Marcie's retirement, and today BC3 announced several exciting promotions at BC3 PSTF:

🎉 Sarah Miller has been named the Public Safety Administrative Assistant (aka Marcie's replacement).

🎉 Jason Bragunier has been promoted to Public Safety Fire Training and Certification Coordinator. Jason will oversee all certification programs and support open-enrollment courses.

🎉 Kevin Smith has been promoted to Director of the Public Safety Training Facility and Programming. Kevin will oversee the PSTF grounds and programming while continuing to lead the Fire and Hazmat training programs and coordinate campus life safety systems.

Congratulations to Sarah, Jason, and Kevin on their well-deserved promotions! Wishing each of them continued success in their new roles as they help lead the future of BC3 PSTF.