During the Fire Internship Program, you will link classroom learning with actual job experience in the fire protection field by volunteering as interns in various bureaus, divisions, and other assignments within the San Francisco and South San Francisco Fire Departments. The assignments will include ride-a-longs at firehouses and require students to learn professional behaviors with co-workers and the public.

Participation in the Fire Academy

The student is expected to maintain a dress code that includes black pants, a 'ÃÈ·­µ¼º½ Fire Academy' tee-shirt, or light blue short sleeve dress shirt (all ironed), black safety shoes, leather gloves, and eye protection at a firehouse assignment. While participating in an internship, any body piercings must be removed and males are expected to be clean-shaven. The student is required to follow all rules and regulations of the agency they are interning at and to follow class rules related to the internship.

Pre-requisite:

  • FSC 107A
  • FSC 111 or a Certificate of Completion from a California Regional Fire Academy
  • EMT 100 or state EMT certification
  • Approval of the Administration of Justice/Fire Science Department
  • Repeat maximum of 6 units

Note: Emergency Medical Technician certification and graduation from a State Fire Training certified fire academy are required for ride-a-long assignments.

Firefighter 1 (sign-off for certification)

Once a student has completed three semesters (12 months) of the Fire Internship Program, one can apply for the Firefighter 1 certification to State Fire Training (along with passing both written and skills exams or six (6) months of full-time employment as a Firefighter or combination volunteer and paid time as a Firefighter).

Procedure for Task Book Sign-Off by SFFD Division of Training Chief

The student needs to leave with the Division of Training secretary, the following in their packet:

  1. EMT License (both sides).
  2. Graduation certificate from our Fire Academy
  3. Letter from either Bill Long or Al Hom indicting the student has fulfilled the SFT Volunteer time requirement for Firefighter one.
  4. Three semesters of Work Experience certificates of completion.
  5. Task Book drills are to be signed off by one of the ÃÈ·­µ¼º½ Fire Academy coordinators, along with a passing score on their State Fire Training written and skills exams.

Leave Packets at DOT (2310 Folsom Street) with the staff secretary for Chief Sato's signature, and when the Task Book is signed off, you will be notified.

Note: The above is subject to change or modification by Chief Sato at any time.

Obtaining a Firefighter 1 Certification

Read the links below for further details for obtaining a Firefighter 1 certification:

  •  - download to your computer

Internship Assignments

Class meetings are held at John Adams, Classroom #45 from 5 to 7 pm.

Wednesday's Meeting Dates

  • First Wednesday of School Semester - Orientation, review paperwork, make firehouse assignments, issue safety equipment
    • New student's bring copies of their EMT License and Fire Academy Graduation.
    • Returning students must bring a copy of their current EMT License.
  • Eighth Week of School Semester - Resume seminar - 1st semester students only.
  • Final Class Meeting - Bring in Site Supervisor's evaluation and loaned safety equipment.
    • If safety equipment is not turned in, a "Hold" will be placed on one's ÃÈ·­µ¼º½ account until equipment is returned or paid for.

Assignments are Monday through Friday (no Evenings or weekends). Spring Assignments for SFFD Firehouses (if approved by Fire Administration) are sent via email, this website, or text course instructor.

Absences & Injuries

Absences must be reported to the on-duty Officer at your assignment by 7:30 am on the day of your absence via the "Main Line" (415-558-32XX Station Number - ask for the Engine or Truck Officer).

Also, email Al Hom or Capt. Bill Long the day before (or early that morning) that you will not be at your assignment.

Report injuries immediately to either Capt. Bill Long or Al Hom via cell phone (check who visits you) or the Fire Science Office at 415- 239-3202.

Documents & Forms