Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Western Illinois University has been ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science. To Find out more click here.
Fire Protection Services Program
Program Mission
The WIU Fire Protection Services Program is dedicated to preparing its students to meet the difficult challenges facing firefighters and fire service administrators in the delivery public safety services. In support of this mission the Fire Protection Services Program is founded on three strategic objectives:
- The delivery of an academically rigorous and relevant curriculum.
- Prepare future firefighters for successful careers in the fire service.
- Prepare current firefighters for senior leadership positions.
Program Overview
The WIU Fire Protection Services Program features a comprehensive major with two separate and unique study options. The Fire Administration program is delivered online and designed for working firefighters seeking promotion to senior leadership positions. The Fire Science Option, with classes delivered on-campus in a traditional setting, is ideally suited for students preparing for a career in the fire service.
The Fire Medic Program provides all entry level fire courses required by FESHE as well as all courses leading to the ability to take the Natioal Paramedic license exam. The WIU Fire Medic Program is the only 4 year degree program offering this opportunity.
All Fire Medic students will attend the Fire Certification Practicum program listed below in the Spring of their freshman year. This practicum provides students with hands-on skill training in hoses, hazardous materials, repelling, etc.
WIU Fire Certification Practicum
March 20—April 29, 2022
Quincy Regional Training Facility
Who: Any registered WIU Student in the Fire Program
What: Six week residential program in Quincy Illinois. Houseing and dining will be provided by Quincy University. Students are encouraged to stay on campus for the weekend som drillsand insturction will occur then.
Where: Quincy Regional Training Facility located at 1900 Seminary Road in Quincy, IL.
When: Late March and class will wrap up late in April. A typical class day will begin with physical fitness in the morning. Students will then break for breakfast and clean-up. They will then have a full day of classroom and hands-on. There will also be occasional night drills. Sessions are not planned for Saturdays and/or Sundays unless a need arises. There will be an opportunity for a weekend ride-a-long
Why: To gain basic firefighting skills. Participants will receive 6 semester hours of credit (possibly 15 with the addition of an online class), Pro-Board certification as Basic Firefighter (administered through the Illinois Fire Service Institute). This will be a physically demanding course and students will be exposed to live fire, hands-on drills and potentially dangerous situations. Examples of drills would be hose advancement, ladder deployment, search and rescue operations and firefighting scenarios. Students should physically prepare for the experience.
How: Contact your academic advisor to register for the spring 2025 class. You will not be required to be on the Macomb campus for the remainder of the Spring semester.
Note: Students will be required to provide their own structural firefighting gear. SCBA will be provided. Required gear is as follows; structural firefighting coat, structural firefighting pants, structural firefighting boots, hood, structural firefighting gloves, work gloves, safety glasses and helmet. Gear must be in good working condition and is subject to a safety inspection by instructors. Also, no facial hair of any type, other than a mustache, will be permitted during the course.
Why enroll in Fire Protection Services at WIU?
Our History
Western Illinois University has a history of fire service education spanning more than forty years.
Many leaders in the Fire Service are alumni of our program and are quick to attribute their career success to their degree at WIU.
Our Program
Our curriculum was written by firefighters for firefighters. It is based on national standards and addresses the real challenges faced by the fire service each day. Ours is a rigorous program which not only confers a degree, but also delivers the education necessary for success in the Fire Service.
Our Faculty
Our “fire” faculty are retired or current firefighters strongly committed to the success of their students. All are former chief officers who have successfully blended education with real world experience. You will learn from teachers who have “been there and done that” and have the teaching skills to relate material to students in a meaningful way.
WIU Fire Protection Services was named one of the "Best Fire Science Degree Programs for 2020"
Intelligent.com named Western Illinois University as one of the Top Fire Science Degree Programs for 2020. Click here to read the full article.
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