FIRE TRAINING DIVISION
Fire Training Division
A Obligation for Training
The role of the fire service within Polk County has evolved dramatically since its creation in 1973. Today’s fire service responds to everything from gas leaks, to structural fires, vehicle fires, and much more. Personnel responding to emergencies must not only be prepared to handle a diverse set of emergencies, but they must be prepared to make decisions in a stressful environment, often affecting the lives of the citizens we are committed to serving.
New Recruits
Fire Recruit classes are offered in house at the Polk County Fire Department Training Complex. The curriculum for all recruit classes meets and exceeds the standards set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. There are three (3) levels of training offered to new recruits.
- Volunteer Support
- Volunteer Suppression
- NPQ Firefighter 1
All employees are required to obtain a minimum of volunteer support within 18 months of appointment in accordance with rules and regulations set forth by Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
Continuing Education/Professional Development
All firefighters of Polk County Fire Rescue are required under state law to obtain 24 hours of annual continuing education and professional development in order to maintain certification as firefighter in the State of Georgia.
Training Complex
Polk County Fire Rescue shares a training complex with Cedartown Fire Department and Rockmart Fire & Emergency Services. We also have access to training facilities in counties & jurisdictions where automatic aid agreements exist.

Polk County Fire Chief
Michael Hanuscin, MA, EFO
mhanuscin@polkga.org
Division Chief
Duane Lockhart
dlockhart@polkga.org
Instructors
Inv. Jeff Groom
Lt. Kevin Colbert
FF Casey Moates
FF Ryan Fleeman
FF Stephen Kadner
FF Dennis Smith
Quick Links
- GA Firefighter Standards & Training Council (GFSTC)
- GA Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC)
- National Fire Academy Online
- FEMA Independent Study