State mandates and firefighter safety considerations, Toms River firefighters must pass a NJ State Level 1 Firefighter Course and First Responder Course consisting of 140 Hours of introductory training. Academy staff that is State Certified Fire Instructors conducts this training. This "Firefighter Level 1" course is held annually at the Training Academy along with many advanced courses each semester, as well as State mandated annual training.

SMOKE HOUSE / DRILL TOWER

The two stories, building's purpose is to simulate a smoke filled environment and train fire fighters the proper technique of building search and rescue. Attached to the smoke house is a four-story drill tower. This building has several scenario's built right into the structure including sprinkler systems, stand pipes, multiple staircases, ladder positions and aerial ladder evolutions, high rise training, forcible entry techniques, overhead utilities and telephone poles, hooks for repelling and firefighters self rescue training.
This building has been used not only by fire fighters but also by the Toms River Police Department ESU Team and K-9 Units to enhance their maneuvers in the protection of the residents of Toms River.

BURN BUILDING / ROOM

The Burn Room is attached to the smoke house on the west side. The room is constructed of paginate walls and ceiling and is utilized by fire fighters. It is a controlled combustible environment to allow fire fighters to learn proper techniques of interior fire fighting.

PROPANE SIMULATORS

The scenario-based props allow training in the proper techniques of fire extinguishing, extinguisher handling, and scene safety of LPG fires and leaks. This area is located to the east of the Administration building and to the west of the extrication pad.

VEHICLE EXTRICATION

The Extrication Pad is located on the east side of the academy grounds. The extrication pad is a 100 x 100 pad with telephone poles and guardrails. This area has a multitude of uses including the proper placement of fire and EMS apparatus during the basic and advanced extrication of cars, trucks and buses. A retention basin, tanker truck and buses are on the grounds and used during different courses.

DRAFTING STATION

The Drafting Station is located on the south side of the academy grounds. The drafting station has its own underground tank with a hydrant. Engine evolutions allow the pump operator to draft from the tank and pump a deluge gun back into the tank to reuse the water.

TRENCH RESCUE / CONFINED SPACE SIMULATOR

Located directly east of the administration building on the academy grounds is a trench rescue / confined space simulator. This allows fire fighters to train in a safe environment during simulated underground areas.

Training Courses

Click on course for description and Prerequisites

Fire Fighter I
Fire Fighter II
Basic Pump
Basic Truck
Principals of Vehicle Extrication
Incident Command I 200
Fire Fighter Safety and Survival
Arson Detection
Fire Department Company Officer I
Fire Department Company Offiver II

Training Course
Registration Process

"APPLY ONLINE"

Registration for the Fire Academy is open to Toms River Firefighters along with Ocean County Firefighters. Registration for any course listed may be done via regular mail, phone (732-255-4024), fax (732-255-9432) or "Apply Online". All registration forms must be approved by the Chief prior to submission. No walk-ins will be allowed to attend any class.

Upcoming Courses
Click on course name to download printable application
(requires Adobe Acrobat)

No courses at this time

Academy Cancellations

If for any reason the Training Center has to cancel or postpone a course, an announcement of the cancellation will be made via:

1. Toms River Communications Fire Channel 1
2. Call Toms River Dispatch Center - 732-349-2285

Directions to TRFA

FROM THE NORTH:
Take the Garden State Parkway South to Exit 88 and turn right onto State Highway Route 70 West.
Take Rt 70 West for approximately 4 miles to New Hampshire Avenue. Turn left using a right-handed jug handle to New Hampshire Avenue south for approximately 3 miles to Church Road. Turn left onto Church Road and follow the road east under the Garden State Parkway. Academy is on the left about ½ past the Parkway.

FROM THE SOUTH:
Take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 83. Take Lakewood Road (State Highway Route 9) north approximately 3 miles to Route 9. Turn Right onto Church Road and follow the road east under the Garden State Parkway. Academy is on the left about ½ past the Parkway.

FROM THE WEST:
Take Route 70 East to New Hampshire Avenue. Turn Right onto New Hampshire Avenue and travel south for approximately 3 miles to Church Road. Turn left onto Church Road and follow the road east under the Garden State Parkway. Academy is on the left about ½ past the Parkway.