Knox County Fire Training Academy

01/18/2026

KCFTA is in full swing! 🚒💪

Yesterday our students geared up and dove into PPE basics, then really tested themselves by working through air consumption on their SCBA. Sweaty, tired, and still smiling—because that’s how growth happens.

They’re showing up motivated, ready to work, and giving it their all… and that’s exactly what we love to see! 🔥

12/05/2025

Good morning!

We still have a few spots available for the upcoming Fire 1&2 Academy that starts in January! If you want to be considered for a spot, check out the registration form and get yourself signed up. You will also need to attend the orientation that is taking place next Tuesday (Dec 9 @ 1800) at the West Rockport Station. Registration forms are located on our website.

Reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday!

10/13/2025

🚒🔥 Big News, Friends of KCFTA! 🔥🚒

Long time no post — but we’re back with something exciting! Registration is officially OPEN for the 2026 Knox County Firefighter I & II Academy! 👏

Here’s the quick rundown:
📅 Classes start: January 6 and run through June (final date depends on MFSI testing schedule)
🕕 When: Tuesdays 1800–2100 & every other Saturday 0800–1600 (weather permitting)
👩‍🚒 Requirements: Must be sponsored by a department + have full turnout gear
📍 Locations: Rotate between various stations across Knox County
👥 Spots: Limited to 16 students — and this year that’s a hard cutoff! (So don’t snooze on your registration 😅)
💰 Cost: $500 per student (includes books)
🗓️ Deadline: November 30

Registration, syllabus, and full details are all on our website — and if you have questions, message us here or reach out using the contact info on the flyer.

We can’t wait to meet the next group of future firefighters ready to take on the challenge! 💪🔥

"Learn from the past, train for the present, eyes on the future."

07/16/2025

🔥 BASIC PUMP OPERATIONS🔥

Please see information below for an upcoming class THIS WEEKEND ⚠️

Email Kevin Rawley at [email protected] or call him at (207) 837-7566 to save your spot.


🚒 BPOC 💦
Cost: FREE
Date: July 19th and 20th
Time: 0800-1800 both days
Location: Nobleboro Fire Station
🌧️ ☀️ Rain or Shine, and regardless of further slots filling the class will continue.

‼️ If you are interested in attending but cannot make it this weekend, let Kevin know as he is collecting a roster for another class.

Train safe.

*stock photo

06/23/2025

🔥 Big shoutout to the 16 rockstars who just wrapped up the Knox County Fire Training Academy’s 2025 Firefighter I & II class with their skills test yesterday in Ellsworth! Representing towns from Owls Head, Hope, Rockport, Rockland, Thomaston, Belfast, Freeport, Searsmont, Cushing, Union, Gardiner and St. George, these volunteer firefighters tackled 180+ hours of classroom time, countless hours of practice, and a hands-on skills test of nine skills pulled from a wild deck of 260 possibilities. No pressure, right? 🥵

💪 Most of these folks serve their communities as volunteers—proving once again that passion, grit, and a little bit of caffeine can go a long way. Maine Fire Service Institute (MFSI) conducted the written and practical exam for the KCFTA. They go through a rigorous process to be able to offer Pro Board certifications, which means these are nationally recognized fire fighters. 🇺🇸

📝 Fun fact: Last year, 20% of grads landed full-time firefighting gigs. Looks like this year’s class might keep that trend going.

This isn’t the end of their journey—it’s just the beginning. And we’re proud to help prepare the next generation of fire service leaders, one training night (and one practical exam) at a time.

We have been honored to watch each and every one of you grow and develop in this industry and we are excited for what is to come. See you on the fire ground! 🚒

🎉Congratulations to you all!

✨Side note: we had 15 students present to test yesterday. Our 16th student also serves our country in the military and was called to duty, so the lead instructor was able to secure him an early test date last month. 💪🏼

06/05/2025

And they are off!

This fine group of students are all sitting for their written exams now. They will all take two 75 question tests that covers everything they learned over the last six months.

Good luck!! 🤞🏻🔥

06/03/2025

Remember the propane burns we mentioned? We just got a batch of photos and videos from that evolution to share taken by Instructor Liam Callahan and this particular photo is one we needed to share on its own.

Incredible shot! 💪

More to come 🔥

06/02/2025

🚨🔥 What an eventful day for the KCFTA Class of 2025! Today marked one of the three most significant milestones in our course: Live Burn Day! 💥💪

Over the past six months, these 16 dedicated students have studied, collaborated, and put in tremendous effort as a cohesive team. Today was no exception, as each student was well-prepared for the challenges ahead.Our stations today included fire attack, fire behavior, backup operations, ventilation, and rehab—providing a comprehensive experience! 🔥💨

Last Thursday, the class successfully participated in their propane burns, demonstrating teamwork as they skillfully managed a propane tank releasing flames to safely shut it off.This week, they will take their written tests, and shortly after, they will face their final challenge: the end test in Ellsworth. 🧠💥

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maritime Energy for generously donating a whopping 400 pounds of propane for our burns. Additionally, a big thank you to Camden Public Works for allowing us to utilize their facility for this vital propane training. The collaboration of various partners, even beyond the Fire/EMS industry, is essential to our success and your support means the world to us and our students.

To our cadets: Take the time to rest this evening! Stay hydrated and recharge your body and mind. The finish line is within reach, but our journey isn’t over yet. Let’s finish strong, together! 💪🏼🔥

Enjoy a few photos from todays evolutions taken by Kevin LeCaptain and a thermal imaging drone video of the propane burns by Chuck Brawn. We always appreciate when someone is able to help us capture moments in training when we are focused on the students. Thank you both!

05/09/2025

EVENT CANCELLED

Due to low enrollment, this event has ben cancelled. To keep up with future class offerings, make sure to sign up for our email list on our site. We hope to offer another version of this class in the near future!

05/08/2025

Check out this awesome opportunity from our friends at MFSI. We are in great need of more Live Fire Instructors and this class is phenomenal. Get signed up today!

*LIVE FIRE INSTRUCTOR/LF INSTRUCTOR IN-CHARGE* Applications open until 18 June 2025. Ellsworth Fire Department

Access application forms here: https://mfsi.me.edu/events/live-fire-instructor-instructor-in-charge-ellsworth/

The course is designed to bring Live Fire Instructors in compliance NFPA 1041: Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications Chapters 7 and 8, 2019 Ed., and NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, 2018 Ed. It is intended for those persons who are qualified as an Instructor Level II and could be designated by an authority having jurisdiction to instruct or oversee live fire training evolutions.