
Georgia Firemen stand behind Gov. Nathan Deal as he delivers a proclamation honoring their service.
Protecting the citizens of Georgia are 626 fire departments staffed with 30,000 firefighters. The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) certifies firefighters and inspects fire stations.
In 2012, for example, GFSTC staff visited 196 fire departments, including 392 fire stations to offer on-site assistance and assure established minimum requirements are met.
With the support of local fire stations who provide proctors, monitors, evaluators, and regional testing sites, 10,813 written exams and 9,140 skills tests were administered in several fire service disciplines.
Online testing is now being offered as a convenient means of pursuing certification. Firefighters may access their certification and/or registration status and any national certifications they may hold using our secure website, (www.gfstconline.org).
Gov. Deal honored Georgia’s firefighters, proclaiming February 5, 2013 as the 41st Firefighters Recognition Day. “Firefighters work long hours and face life threatening situations every day,” said Deal. “These men and women have earned this day, and I ask that all Georgians take time today to honor the firefighters and fire departments that help keep us safe and sound.”
The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council is the state agency proudly serving Georgia’s fire service. The Council consists of 6 members appointed by the Governor and 2 each by the Lt. Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Safety Fire Commissioner. The Council is supported by eight fulltime state employees.
“We can be assured Georgia’s citizens are protected by the best trained, most highly motivated, and dedicated fire service personnel who are always ready to assist in times of need,” said Lyn Pardue, Executive Director, Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.