WHO WE ARE
BUILDING TOMORROW'S FIREFIGHTERS:
The Legacy of the Santiam Training Academy
What began as a small initiative in the mid-1990s by Stayton Fire District to better prepare its volunteer firefighter recruits has grown into the most comprehensive regional fire academy in the Santiam Canyon, and one of the largest of its kind in Oregon.
Recognizing the need for more structured, hands-on training, Stayton Fire launched its first recruit academy, soon joined by Sublimity Fire District. Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a unified effort to support volunteer firefighter training across the region. In 1999, the South County Fire Chiefs organization formally partnered to consolidate resources, instructors, and training standards into one powerful collaboration.
Since then, the academy has proudly delivered DPSST-certified firefighter training to new volunteer recruits from across the Santiam Canyon area and beyond. In 2005, the name ‘Santiam Training Academy’ was officially adopted and the program expanded its reach to include even more departments, answering the call for consistent, high-quality training for volunteer firefighters throughout the region.
Partner Agencies in the Santiam Training Academy Include:
Aumsville Fire District, Drakes Crossing Fire District, Gates Fire District, Jefferson Fire District, Keizer Fire Department, Lyons Fire District, Marion County Fire District #1, Scio Fire District, Stayton Fire District, Sublimity Fire District, and Turner Fire District.
Today, the academy is a cornerstone of firefighter training in the region, offered exclusively to volunteer firefighters and designed to meet the increasing demand for highly skilled, service-ready recruits. Over the past five years, the academy has consistently trained more than 30 recruits annually, demonstrating the program's reach, reputation, and impact.
A Commitment to Real-World, Hands-On Firefighter Training
From January through June each year, students commit to over 190 hours of hands-on training, in addition to rigorous coursework using the IFSTA curriculum. Recruits graduate with more than just knowledge—they leave with the skills and confidence needed to serve their communities with courage and competence.
Graduates of the Santiam Training Academy earn nationally and state-recognized certifications, including:
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FEMA IS100, IS200, IS700, IS800
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ODOT Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Training
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NFPA Firefighter I & Firefighter II
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NFPA Apparatus Driver Operator
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NFPA Hazmat Awareness & Hazmat Operations
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NFPA Vehicle Extrication Operator & Technician
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NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2
This robust firefighter training program provides recruits with foundational experience in structural firefighting, wildland response, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials operations, and emergency scene management—ensuring they are mission-ready from day one.
A Launchpad for Volunteer and Career Firefighters Alike
Many Santiam Training Academy graduates go on to build successful careers in the fire service, joining full-time departments across Oregon and beyond. But whether they stay local or pursue career paths elsewhere, every graduate leaves equipped with the training, discipline, and drive to make a difference.
The Santiam Training Academy stands as a testament to the power of community-driven collaboration—built for volunteers, by volunteers, and strengthened by decades of dedication to excellence in fire service education.
At the heart of the Santiam Training Academy lies a commitment to Pride, Honor, and Integrity; values that are instilled in every recruit from day one. These principles guide not only the training but the spirit of service that defines volunteer firefighting. As each class graduates, they carry forward a legacy of excellence, ready to serve their communities with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
