All city firefighters are required to attend the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy. Upon successful completion, they are certified through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs with the minimum level of Firefighter I and II, HAZMAT Operations, Rope I, Vehicle Rescue II, and May Day! Firefighter Down training.
In addition, the Fire Department supports a career program in which firefighters are trained in Advanced Life Support and are nationally registered and certified to the Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate level.