Hickory firefighter receives Advanced Firefighter Certification

Recently, Hickory firefighter Ryan Starnes was recognized with the prestigious designation of Advanced Firefighter through the NC State Firefighter’s Association. Firefighter Starnes received his certificate on January 5, 2022, and joins the less than 2 percent of firefighters across the state who have been awarded this designation.

In order to be eligible for consideration of the advanced professional certificate, a firefighter must meet five core competencies or qualifications. These competencies include a valid Firefighter II certification issued by the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission; a valid Hazardous Materials Level I (Operations) certification; and a valid Rescue Technician or Technical Rescuer. The firefighter must also have at least four years of experience as a firefighter.

After meeting the core criteria above, a firefighter can then qualify for the Firefighter’s Advanced Professional Certificate if he or she has formal education, continuing education training, and experience. Awards are based upon a formula which combines formal education, fire and rescue continuing education training, and actual experience as a firefighter.

Firefighter Starnes has been a member of Hickory Fire Department since March 2014.