MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has officially entered into a five-year agreement with the Florida State Fire College (FSFC), marking a significant step forward in firefighter training and operational efficiency.

This agreement allows MCFR to lease training and classroom space at FSFC in order to conduct its own in-house firefighter minimum standards training, including both Firefighter I and Firefighter II programs. These courses will be delivered directly by MCFR instructors using MCFR curriculum and equipment, with FSFC providing the facilities, live-fire props, and classroom space.

Under the previous model, new firefighter recruits were sent to external fire academies—most commonly FSFC—for training. While these programs offer high-quality instruction, they provide limited flexibility for tailoring the curriculum to MCFR’s operational expectations and training standards. The new agreement allows for enhanced instructional consistency, better alignment with department goals, and more control over pacing.

“By delivering this training in-house, we not only ensure our recruits are receiving instruction that directly reflects MCFR’s values and methods, but we also significantly reduce training costs,” said MCFR Fire Chief James Banta. “We are thankful to continue our great working relationship with the Florida State Fire College.”

The cost to train a recruit under the FSFC model is currently $4,096 per student. With the new in-house program, MCFR estimates a cost of $1,800 per student—a savings of $2,296 per student. For a class of 20 recruits, this results in a projected savings of $45,920.

This partnership not only reinforces the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility but also enhances the strength and preparedness of Marion County’s fire rescue teams.

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