The Octorara Area Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy is a 3 year Career & Technical Education Program offered to students in grades 10, 11, & 12. The Academy consists of two half-day programs at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus and their academic instruction at their sending district’s high school.

Students may enroll in either a morning session from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or afternoon session from 11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. During field trips and various national and state certification days, students will be required to attend from 8:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Graduates receive their high school diploma from their sending school district.

This multi-disciple Academy covers Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, and Emergency Medical & Management.

The program is a three year - half day - approved program of study which enables graduates to earn college credits, industry certifications, and a NOCTI certification. Sophomores will complete the LAW year which consists of 42 individual certifications. Juniors will complete the EMS year which consists of 26 individual certifications. Seniors will complete the FIRE year which consists of 31 industry certifications.

Students can attend one, two or all three years based on their interests and career goals. Attending all three years affords students the maximum value in both industry certifications and real world experience. The program is taught at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). At the PSTC, students interact daily with fire, law enforcement, EMS professionals and industry experts.

It is important for students to start this program in their 10th grade year, HOWEVER students may enroll if they are in their 11th or 12th year. They will still be exposed to all the disciplines and get experience. If a student completes 3 YEARS they are capable of earning up to 64 State and National Certifications as well as up to 54+ college credits. Internships and Co-Op work opportunities are available for select students. All students who enroll in this Academy are required to join their local fire or EMS company.

 How ALL the First Responder Disciplines Merge Togther

All First Responders Show Up During A Tragedy! Firefighters help protect the public against danger by responding to fires and a variety of other emergencies. Although they extinguish fires, firefighters may frequently respond to other emergencies. They are often the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to treat injuries or perform other vital functions.

People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, and gunshot wounds require immediate medical attention. EMTs provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility.

Police officers maintain public safety by providing order, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and protecting people and property. Police officers investigate traffic accidents, robberies, and other crimes against society. They document findings of their investigations and often testify in court.

PA Department of Education Program Description

PA Department of Education Program Description of Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
CIP Code 43.9999
Homeland Security