SCCC Public Safety Training Academy

This week, Recruit Class #709 successfully completed Ladders 3 & 4! 🪜🔥

Recruits were put to the test while completing various ladder skill stations, including the 35’ ground ladder, utilizing a roof ladder on a pitched roof, and operating on and off of an aerial ladder.

Students built confidence throughout the day by getting hands-on repetitions, working as a team, and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones. These skills are critical to safe and effective fireground operations, and Class #709 continues to put in the hard work to build the foundation needed to become successful firefighters.

Lastly, the Recruits were put to the test by conducting a short skills evolution. They were tasked with racing through a dressing drill, forcing entry through the blue door, and throwing a ground ladder successfully to the window. All Recruits were successful and completed the mission. In the end, only one came out on top and won the big prize! Congratulations and well done Recruit Gunderman from Franklin Fire Department Inc.

Huge shoutout to Fred Reader Jr. from Firefighter One for graciously and continuously supporting us and our mission. We’re confident that the Fire-Dex Captain Jim hood will get put to good use!

Keep working, keep learning, and keep getting better! 💪🚒

Ready to take your teaching skills to the next level? SCCC PSTA is hosting Instructor 1, which is your opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively instruct and mentor others in the fire service. If you’re looking to become a better instructor and help develop the next generation of firefighters, you’re going to want to sign up and not miss this!

* In County Price - $300
** Out of County Price - $385
*** Book is NOT Included/Provided by Academy***

This week, our recruits successfully completed the mask confidence course, one of the most mentally and physically demanding evolutions they’ll face in the academy.

Working in full PPE, recruits were challenged with low-visibility obstacles, confined spaces, entanglements, and problem-solving under pressure. The course tested their composure, confidence, and ability to trust their training when conditions became difficult.

Every obstacle was met with determination, teamwork, and perseverance. They pushed through the challenges, supported one another, and proved that success comes from preparation, resilience, and refusing to quit.

We’re proud of the hard work and commitment shown by Recruit Class #709. One more step closer to becoming firefighters👊🚒

From the classroom to the fireground! 🔥🚒

This past weekend, Firefighter Recruit Class #709 took a major step in their training by completing their first hands-on fire suppression evolutions.

Recruits trained on direct fire attack, indirect fire attack, and basement fire operations. This was their first opportunity to experience the heat, work under realistic conditions, and begin putting their classroom knowledge into action.

Every evolution builds confidence, reinforces the fundamentals, and develops the skills needed to become successful Firefighters. We couldn’t be more proud of the hard work, determination, and motivation these recruits have demonstrated.

Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep earning it. The journey is just beginning!

The Public Safety Training Academy at Sussex County Community College is proud once again to host a unique leadership experience designed specifically for Fire Officer Development (FOD) and Chief Officer Development (COD) students.

This past weekend, the annual Leadership Retreat gathered both emerging and established leaders for a weekend focused on growth, reflection, and collaboration.

Set against the historical backdrop of the Battle of Downs Brook, this retreat explored the realities of leadership in uncertain and high-pressure environments. In 1778, a small group of Patriot militia navigated rugged terrain, limited intelligence, and significant risk while tracking enemy forces through the wilderness. Their success depended not on numbers, but on trust, communication, discipline, and decisive leadership.

Participants engaged in guided and open forum discussions and practical exercises that included guided tours of historical sites, as well as, a three-mile hike ascending a 2300', wooded elevation representative of the 1778 skirmish.

Focus was on decision-making under pressure, team dynamics, trust and the challenges and responsibility leaders carry when others depend on them.

As part of the officer development program, the annual retreat reinforces our shared mission and the responsibility we hold as present and future fire service leaders.

🚨 FINAL CALL – ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS WEEKEND 🚨

Seats are filling up and registration closes soon! Deadline 6/19

If you want to sharpen your engine company skills, improve efficiency with limited staffing, and spend two days working through realistic, hands-on evolutions, now is the time to register.

✅ 16 Hours of Training
✅ 10 Hands-On Skill Stations
✅ Lunch Included
✅ Limited to 25 Students

📅 June 27-28
🕗 0800-1700
💲 $300

Don’t wait until you see the photos afterward and wish you had signed up. Invest in yourself, your crew, and your department.

Train hard. Stay aggressive. Be the firefighter your company needs when the bell hits.

🥋 Day 1 of 2: Employee Defensive Tactics Training 🥋

Today, employees from across Sussex County Community College took part in Day 1 of our two-day Defensive Tactics Training Program at the Public Safety Training Academy.

Participants engaged in hands-on instruction focused on:
✅ Situational Awareness
✅ Personal Safety Strategies
✅ Verbal De-escalation Techniques
✅ Defensive Tactics Skills
✅ Building Confidence Under Stress

This training helps equip employees with practical tools to enhance workplace safety while fostering teamwork, communication, and preparedness.

👏 Thank you to everyone who participated and demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. We look forward to seeing everyone back for Day 2 as we continue building on today's skills and knowledge.

📸 Here is our Day 1 class following a great day of training!

Firefighter Recruit Class #701 Orientation

Today we welcomed the members of Firefighter Recruit Class #701 as they began their journey into the fire service.

Orientation day marks the start of a challenging and rewarding path that will demand commitment, discipline, teamwork, and professionalism. Over the coming months, these recruits will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to serve their communities with honor.

We are proud to have this outstanding group joining the academy and look forward to watching them grow throughout the program.

Please join us in wishing Recruit Class #701 success as they begin their training.

It is with deep respect that we share information regarding the funeral services for Battalion Chief Bryan Schoch.

Visitation:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
1400–2000 hours
Mack Memorial Home
1245 Paterson Plank Road
Secaucus, NJ

Funeral Service:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
1045 hours
Immaculate Conception RC Church
1219 Paterson Plank Road
Secaucus, NJ

Members of the PSTA community will be attending to honor his service and legacy.

***FOD/ISO class scheduled for Wednesday, 05/20, is canceled.***