Two volunteers of the West Grove Fire Company are nearing graduation from the Octorara Area Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy (OAHSPSA). With graduation approaching, the class paused today for student pictures which included poses with the new Ladder truck from the West Grove Fire Company. All of us at WGFC are very proud of members Tucker Aliberti and Zach Felker as they complete this outstanding program.

About the OAHSPSA

The Octorara Area Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy is a 3 year Career & Technical Education Program offered to students in grades 10, 11, & 12. The Academy consists of two half-day programs at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus and their academic instruction at their sending district’s high school.

Students may enroll in either a morning session from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or afternoon session from 11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. During field trips and various national and state certification days, students will be required to attend from 8:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Graduates receive their high school diploma from their sending school district.

This multi-discipline Academy covers Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, and Emergency Medical & Management.

The program is a three year - half day - approved program of study which enables graduates to earn college credits, industry certifications, and a NOCTI certification. Sophomores will complete the LAW year which consists of 42 individual certifications. Juniors will complete the EMS year which consists of 26 individual certifications. Seniors will complete the FIRE year which consists of 31 industry certifications.

Students can attend one, two or all three years based on their interests and career goals. Attending all three years affords students the maximum value in both industry certifications and real world experience. The program is taught at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). At the PSTC, students interact daily with fire, law enforcement, EMS professionals and industry experts.

It is important for students to start this program in their 10th grade year, HOWEVER students may enroll if they are in their 11th or 12th year. They will still be exposed to all the disciplines and get experience. If a student completes 3 YEARS they are capable of earning up to 64 State and National Certifications as well as up to 54+ college credits. Internships and Co-Op work opportunities are available for select students. All students who enroll in this Academy are required to join their local fire or EMS company.

For more information about the OAHSPSA see: https://www.octorara.k12.pa.us/Page/470