Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy

  • OHSPSA 2020 Graduation

    2019-2020 Graduation Ceremony 

    Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy (OHSPSA)

    This Project was financed [in part] by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Senator Andrew Dinniman

    EMT fire take down Group

    Dinniman Rap Barto Criminal

    OCTORARA HOMELAND SECURITY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES ACADEMY VIDEO

    Approved PDE Career & Technical Education Program CIP Code: 43.9999 
     
    Instructors:
    Mark Barto - mbarto@octorara.org
    John Narcise - jnarcise@octorara.org
    Robert Linnenbaugh - rlinnenbaugh@octorara.org
     
    For more information go to the "Instructors" Link to the left of the page. 
     
    Skills USA  

    On FriSkills USA Winners day February 15th, three cadets from the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy traveled to Lancaster for the District 4/5 combined SkillsUSA competition.  SkillsUSA is a national student organization which supports Career and Technical Education and allows students from all over the country to compete in challenges related to their program of study.  This was the first year the OHSPSA participated in the event.  Three cadets volunteered to compete in the firefighting skills competition.   The tasks consisted of a 100 question written test and 8 firefighter specific, scored, practical skill stations.  All of the skill stations had a separate, independent evaluator/industry expert, which scored each competitor according to the National Firefighter 1 standard.  The scores for both the written test and individual skill sheets were then combined to produce numeric rankings.  Senior cadets Kevin Beck (Great Valley HS - East Whiteland Fire), Ryan Lewis (Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School PALCS - Malvern Fire), and Kimberly Trainor (Octorara HS - Cochranville Fire) all earned medals for their efforts.

      Kevin Beck: Silver Medal (2nd Overall District 5) OHSPSA: First Year

      Ryan Lewis: Bronze Medal (3rd Overall District 4) OHSPSA: First Year

      Kimberly Trainor: Bronze Medal (3rd Overall District 5) OHSPSA: Third Year  (The only female competitor in the event)

     STUDENT OF THE QUARTER 

    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HOMELAND SECURITY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES ACADEMY "STUDENT OF THE QUARTER" 
     
    Kevin     Sonia   Jake
        Kevin Beck                       Sonia Kloss                      Jake Wilson
        Great Valley HS              Avon Grove HS               Kimberton Waldorf
     
    The Octorara Area Career & Technical Education Programs (OACTEPA) Student of the Quarter for the Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy is a student who leads by example and is a role model for others in the class for their leadership skills, attitude, skills, and knowledge of occupational concepts 
     
    OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS 
       PM cadets   
     The Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Program is a three year PA Department of Education approved Career Program of Study. The course prepares cadets for careers in law enforcement, corrections, pre-hospital emergency medical care, emergency management, military services, and firefighting.  The program requires cadets to wear uniforms and focuses on discipline and teamwork in a para-military environment. The course is taught on site at the new Chester County Emergency Services Training Center located in Coatesville, PA.  This is a challenging endeavor but cadets can earn State and National job related certifications, which are required for entry-level positions directly upon graduation.  The intent is to train qualified, competent and professional emergency first responders.  Students are exposed to mentors and representatives in a variety of careers related to these fields almost daily. Cadets are required to join and participate at their local volunteer fire company to enhance learning and hone skills for testing.  

    The Academy offers students 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 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. During 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.


    CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES


    With the declining number of volunteers in the fire service agencies, Octorara Area Homeland Security and Protective Services Program will be training students to be nationally certified fire service personnel. This program will significantly increase employment opportunities for our Homeland Security and Protective Services Program graduates.

    Fire

    Law Year

    46 Total Certifications Available

    • PA & National Hazardous Materials Awareness - PA & National Hazardous Materials Operations (4)
    • National Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) Certifications (11)
    • American Heart Association CPR/AED –First Aid (2)
    • Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) Emergency Call Taker (2)
    • FEMA Emergency Management Professional Development Series (8)
    • PEMA Municipal Basic Local Certification (5)
    • Law Enforcement (10 Separate Chester County Certifications)
    • Federal National Incident Management System (FEMA) 100-200-700-800 (4)
    • PA Fire Academy Basic Ropes/Rigging (1)

     

    EMS Year

    25 Total Certifications Available

    • PA & National Hazardous Materials Awareness - PA & National Hazardous Materials Operations (4)
    • American Heart Association CPR/AED (1)
    • National Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) Certifications (11)
    • National Vehicle Rescue Awareness – National Vehicle Rescue Operations – Basic Vehicle Rescue (3)
    • National Registry EMT-B – Pennsylvania Department of Health EMT-B (2)
    • National Incident Management System (FEMA) 100-200-700-800 (4)

     

    Fire Year

    30 Total Certifications Available

    • PA & National Hazardous Materials Awareness - PA & National Hazardous Materials Operations (4)
    • American Heart Association CPR/AED (1)
    • American Heart Association First Aid (1)
    • National Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) Certifications (11)
    • PA Fire Academy Fire Dynamics Fundamentals - Strategy & Tactics (2)
    • PA Fire Academy Essentials of Firefighting (EL14 Mods) (4)
    • National ProBoard Firefighter 1 (1)
    • PA Fire Academy Advanced Firefighter (1)
    • National ProBoard Firefighter 2 (1)
    • National Incident Management System (FEMA) 100-200-700-800 (4)
    • FAA Part 107 Licenses Operation Drone Systems Certification
    • National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Seniors Only (1)