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Fire Academy reports high scores, grows applicant pool; Academy 17 slated for January
Summary
Wake County presented Fire Academy 16 results (24 started, 20 graduated; highest average test score at 88%) and outlined plans for Academy 17, which will start Jan. 12, 2026 with an estimated 26 recruits and continued funding after ARPA via the Fire Tax District model.
Joseph briefed the committee on Wake County’s Career in a Year Fire Academy, reporting that Academy 16 began Oct. 14, 2024 and graduated on June 18, 2025 with 20 graduates out of 24 starters and an average class test score of 88%.
He said Academy 17 is scheduled to begin Jan. 12, 2026 with participation from seven departments and an estimated class size of 26 recruits after departments adjusted offers; orientation is set to begin Jan. 5. Joseph reported robust recruitment: the application window ran five weeks, more than 350 unique applicants applied and 277 signed up for the agility course with 203 completing it. He said Academy 17 will be the final class supported by ARPA funds but that funding has been designated within the Fire Tax District model to continue the initiative.
Committee members praised the program as a national recruitment model and asked clarifying questions about application/applicant terminology; Joseph explained that one applicant can submit multiple department applications, accounting for differing counts. Commissioners said they value the program’s retention and regional collaboration.
