WEST GEORGIA
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM
Welcome to West Georgia Tech College (W.G.T.C.) Fire Science program.
Fire Science courses (F.S.C.) and core classes are available at the main campus located in LaGrange, Georgia, and also through a joint venture with West Central Technical College on the Douglasville, Georgia site each quarter. Students can intermix the learning formats to best fit their learning environment.
West Georgia Technical College is happy you have selected this institution to gain your Fire Science Education. W.G.T.C. is only one (1) of four (4) Technical Colleges which offer the Diploma in Fire Science and one (1) of only two (2) offering both the Associate of Applied Technology Degree in Fire Science and Diploma in Fire Science Technology.
You have joined the growing list of firefighting personnel to seek a higher education. It is my goal to develop a program format which is unique to your educational goals as well as provide an interesting learning format for the first time firefighter and the seasoned officer.
Students are encouraged to discuss their individual desire to obtain a Diploma or Associate Degree in Fire Science and evaluate the selection of other core (English, Math, Psychology, Science such as Chemistry, Physics and etc.) courses required of the graduates. You might consider the other Internet core courses offered through the Georgia Virtual Technical College at www.gvtc.org through W.G.T.C. or take classes at the main campus in LaGrange.
Questions regarding the Fire Science program may be directed to the Fire Science program advisor, Thomas Young Smith.
Your instructor:
Thomas Young Smith, Sr. (retired)
Battalion Fire CaptainFire Science and EMS Program
Advisor/Instructor of programs
at West Georgia Tech. College
I was employed for over 20 years as a professional firefighter and 3 years as a volunteer. I have worked my way up the ranks until achieving the level of Battalion Fire Captain position. While employed, I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College. While obtaining the Bachelor's Degree, I was the Fire Training Coordinator (Fire Academy Coordinator) as well as the County EMS Officer during my employment with Volusia County Fire. I am a Florida certified Paramedic receiving my certificate training from Daytona Beach Community College and also obtained the Associate Degree in Fire Science from this college. My training has allowed me to obtain the Basic, Fire Officer 1, and Municipal Fire Inspector Instructor ratings from the State of Florida.
As the program advisor/instructor for the LaGrange based and Internet courses, it is my belief this course is oriented toward individuals who perform fire responses to a variety of buildings and is not limited to a particular rank. I believe it is imperative all students draw upon my knowledge and long experience in the Fire/EMS service to learn about the proper and safe ways to complete their work tasks.
Quizzes and examinations will be due at the dates listed on the calendar. All quizzes, examinations and assignment shall be sent to: tsmith@westgatech.org class will require the student to be self paced, disciplined and complete all assignments on time. Special projects will be listed and must be forwarded by the dates given in the schedule.
If you have any questions, please telephone me at W.G.T.C. at 706-845-4323 ext. 5748 or EMAIL me at: tsmith@westgatech.org
Thank you participating in this class and I hope you will enjoy the formats
