Expert Firefighting Training
Preparing Heroes for Every Challenge
Training Offered and Performed
Basic Firefighting Techniques (FF1)
Providing foundational skills for those who want to become a firefighter. This class teaches a wide array of skills needed to become a Firefighter 1. (Pictured Graduation ceremony set up.)
Hazardous Materials Awareness
This is an 8-hour class to provide training and guidance in the use of the Emergency Response Guide, (ERG). Understand how to read shipping papers and the terminology that they are called. Distinguishing placards on transportation vehicles and many other aspects of teach you how to be aware of your surroundings when in come to HAZMAT.
Hazardous Materials Operations
40 plus hours of training in working the Operations Level Responder. You will learn how to ID potential hazards, ID the containers, ID criminal or terrorist activity, help in the planning of the initial response, ICS, IAP implementation of both and emergency decontamination.
Vehicle Fire Suppression
This is a New Idea for us to offer a class that enables you as a firefighter to size-up, Establish Command, form an IAP for the scenario given, and engage in fire suppression of a vehicle fire. This class only provides the basics of fire suppression and does not cover all type of transportation type vehicle fires. Classroom portions we will discuss the dangers of vehicle fires, Combustion Engines, EV fires, Tractor Trailer, (Truck Fire), (Cargo Fires), Identify types of transport containers, (Flammable, Flammable Liquids, Combustibles, Combustible Liquids, HAZMAT, Refrigerator trailers, Conex Boxes, Refrigerator Oversees Transport Containers.)
FIREFIGHTER 2
40 plus hours of training dedicated to learning the role and responsibilities associated with becoming a FF2. Performing scene size ups, taking command, leading a crew, fire suppression, search, handling flammable liquid fires, pressurized container fires, auto extrication and more.
Advanced Rescue Methods
Training on specialized rescue techniques, (pictured = Firefighter Self Rescue window bailout), for unique emergency scenarios.
Team Coordination Exercises
Enhancing cooperation in high-pressure situations via simulated drills. Initial Size-up, 360 size-up, apparatus placement, water supply, (Hydrant hook up, drop tank with water shuttle / relay, Turbo Draft), May Day, Entrapment, practice accountability measures on scene, perform PAR’s, (In the picture Primary Search Opps, Division 2, Bravo)
Pressurized Container Fire Control
Learning the basics of pressurized container fires large and small. Learning and understanding the dangers of this type of fire. This class is one of the most dangerous ones that is taught due to not having total control of the fire behavior.
Flammable Liquids Fire Control / Supression
This class teaches the characteristics of flammable liquid fires and techniques to extinguish them.
Apparatus Operator / Pumper
40 plus hours of teaching how to operate an engine and learning how to calculate water flow from the engine. Requires each student to drive the apparatus thru a driving course. Requires the student to inspect, operate, supply water to the engine and understand engine placement on a fire scene.
Apparatus Operator / Aerial
40 plus hours of learning techniques of operating and aerial apparatus. Apparatus placement, apparatus set-up, operating the aerial unit, (ladder, quint, tower), become familiar with the dangers of operating an aerial device.
Hart County Fire Training Division Instructors
John A. Boudway
HCF Training Officer / FF2 / Instructor 2 / POST Instructor Advanced / Live Fire Instructor / FO1 / AOPP / AOPL / FLS 1 / POST Adavanced Arson Investigator Level 2 / Evaluator / Proctor
John A. Boudway occupies the integral position of HCF Training Officer and is certified as a Firefighter II (FF2), Instructor II, and POST Instructor Advanced. He also holds active roles as a Live Fire Instructor, Fire Officer I, AOPP, AOPL, FLS I, and has specialized training as a POST Advanced Arson Investigator Level II. His responsibilities extend to serving as an Evaluator and Proctor, ensuring excellence in training and assessment processes.
Steve Brown
FF2 / Instructor 1 / FO1 / HAZMAT Tech / FLS 1 / AOPP / AOPL / Evaluator
Steve Brown holds a distinguished position encompassing roles: Firefighter II (FF2), Instructor level 1, Fire Officer level 1, Hazardous Materials Technician (HAZMAT Tech), Fire/Life Safety Instructor 1, Apparatus Operator Pumper, Apparatus Operator Ladder, and Evaluator. His extensive knowledge and skill set contribute significantly to the team’s capabilities and overall success.
Levi Cantrell
FF2 / Instructor 1
Levi Cantrell is one of our newer firefighters. Starting his career 2023 in a short time has obtained Firefighter II (FF2) and Instructor 1 and demonstrates exceptional dedication and professionalism, greatly benefiting our team objectives thru the eyes of a younger firefighter.
Jacob Fannin
FF2 / Instructor 1 / AOPP / FO1
After years of being out of the fire service, the passion of being a firefighter overtook our dear Jacob. 2024 he stepped back into the firefighter world. since then, he has obtained FF2, Instructor 1, AOPP, and FO1, among many other certifications. Jacob Fannin is an essential and multifaceted team member as well as a mentor for those in the past and for those in the future.
Ryan Osborne
FF 2 / Instructor 2 / SFC Instructor / PC Instructor / Live Fire Instructor / FO4 / AOPP / AOPL / HAZMAT Tech / Evaluator / Fire Investigations / Proctor
Ryan Osborne holds a multifaceted role within our team, contributing expertise as Firefighter 2 (FF 2), Instructor 2, SFC Instructor, PC Instructor, and Live Fire Instructor. Additionally, Ryan serves as an FO4 level officer and actively engages in Aerial Operations for Practical Procedures (AOPP) and Leadership (AOPL). Certified as a HAZMAT Technician, Ryan is adept in Evaluator duties and understands the importance of Fire Investigations. Ryan's breadth of knowledge and dedication are instrumental to our operations and training programs.
Ryan Ray
FF2 / Instructor 1 / AOPP / Evaluator / Communications Officer
Ryan Ray holds the position of Firefighter II, Instructor I, and AOPP, serving additionally as an Evaluator and Communications Officer, showcasing a diverse skill set and comprehensive expertise.
Jeremy Tatum
FF2 / Instructor 1 / PC Instructor / ISO / FO 1 / Evaluator / AOPP
Jeremy Tatum serves as a multifaceted professional holding the positions of FF2, Instructor 1, PC Instructor, ISO, FO 1, and Evaluator, showcasing expertise and dedication in various leadership and educational roles.
Hart County Fire Statistics
Classes Taught at Hart County Training Center
Firefighter 1 Class of 2022 = 12 Recruits completed class Class of 2023 = 18 Recruits completed class Class 2024-1 = 13 Recruits completed class Class of 2024-2 = 11 Recruits completed class Class of 2025 = 6 Recruits completed class Firefighter 2 Class Class of 2025 = 7 recruits completed class Apparatus Operator Pumper Class Class of 2025 = 12 firefighters completed class Apparatus Operator Ladder Class of 2025 = in progress
Fire Calls 2025
Total Calls: 821 Residential Structure Fires = Commercial Structure Fires = Wildland Fires = First Responder calls = Motor Vehicle Accidents = Fire Alarms = Commercial Fire Alarms =
Fire Calls 2024
Total Calls: 773 Residential Structure Fires = Commercial Structure Fires = Wildland Fires = First Responder calls = Motor Vehicle Accidents = Fire Alarms = Commercial Fire Alarms =
Fire Calls 2023
Total Calls: 560 Residential Structure Fires = Commercial Structure Fires = Wildland Fires = First Responder calls = Motor Vehicle Accidents = Fire Alarms = Commercial Fire Alarms =
Fire Calls 2022
Total Calls: 584 Residential Structure Fires = Commercial Structure Fires = Wildland Fires = First Responder calls = Motor Vehicle Accidents = Fire Alarms = Commercial Fire Alarms =
Testimonials
Events
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 8th or 9th Ed for Instructor 1 Chapters 1-10 (Tentative) Mar 3 Mar 5 Mar 10 Mar 12 Mar 17 Mar 19 Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 28 Written and Skills If interested, please contact Brandon Ayers @ 706-244-9623
8-hour class for Hamat Awareness Level We will meet Tuesday May 05, 2026, and Thursday May 07, 2026, 6pm to 10pm Test date will be May 09, 2026 @ 8am
Prerequisites for FF2: Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Pressurized Container, Crash Victim Extrication IFSTA Essentials 7th or 8th for FF2 Chapters 16-22 (Tentative) Feb 3 Feb 5 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 17 Feb 19 Feb 24 Feb 26 Feb 28 Written and Skills If Interested, please contact Brandon Ayers 706-244-9623
HCF will be hosting a GPSTC, (Georgia Public Safety Training Center), pressurized container class. Classroom portion starts at 8am Hands on burn will start at 1pm All students will need in-date gear to participate in the live burn. Each student will need full PPE including SCBA. To obtain credit for the class each student will be required to attend both sessions. For more information, please contact J. Boudway @ 706-680-2400. Copy and paste in your browser and sign up. https://access.gpstc.org/student/classes/register?courseNumber=FFAT251126
HCF is hosting a demonstration of the HEN nozzles for handlines and master streams. Requirements: Anyone attending this event that is wanting to participate with the hands-on portion will be required to have full PPE without an SCBA. For more information, please contact J. Boudway @ 706-680-2400
IFSTA HAZMAT for First Responders 5th or 6th Ed. for HAZMAT Operations Chapters 4-9 Please refresh on your HAZMAT Awareness material. This class will be fast paced with a lot of time spent studying on your own. Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 20 Jan 22 Jan 29 Jan 31 Written and Skills Test If interested, please contact Brandon Ayers (706) 244-9623.
GFC will be hosting a class explaining what they do and can provide us as well as what they expect from us on wildland fires. Presentation will start @ 6pm at the training center.
This is a class to learn how to perform fire suppression with pressurized containers. You will need full PPE dated within 10 years and a SCBA with a spare bottle. Copy and paste this link below to register for the class. https://access.gpstc.org/student/classes/register?courseNumber=FFAT26083
This class is a train the trainer class for pressurized container fire suppression. You will need full PPE dated within 10 years and a SCBA with a spare bottle. Copy and paste the link below in your browser to register. https://access.gpstc.org/student/classes/register?courseNumber=FFAT26084
Starting January 06, 2026 will be a Firefighter 1 class that will run through May 16, 2026. this will include Hazmat Awareness class as well. Testing for HAZA, (Written Only), will be conducted on May 08, 2026 @ 8am. Testing for FF1, (Skills and Written), will be held on May 16, 2026, starting @ 8am.
Gallery
Charts
Total Training Hours 2022 (6,720) 96 Firefighters
Total Training Hours 2023 (9,565) 107 Firefighters
Total Training Hours 2024 (11,717) 107 Firefighters
Total Training Hours 2025 (10,364) 113 Firefighters
Contact Us
- 127 W. Gibson St, Hartwell, Georgia 30643
- Main Office
- +1-7066802400
- jboudway@hartcountyga.gov
- Mon-Fri - 07:00am to 3:30pm
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a firefighter, please fill out the contact info below or call, John Boudway @ 706-680-2400.