Firefighters, public safety officers and others interested in the field have a new opportunity to get fire science training through Bainbridge College, said Barbara Stephens, Technical Studies Division interim chair.

“It is an excellent opportunity for law enforcement officers to gain cross-training experience in fire fighting,” Stephens said.

Fire Science classes start Aug. 18 with veteran firefighter Patrick Cofty as instructor.

Offered through the Criminal Justice Program, the classes are set for 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Cofty said the course is for career and volunteer firefighters, public safety officers whose jobs involve firefighting and anyone who may be interested in a fire service career and getting a head start with the fire science training.

Persons interested in the new fire science class may call Bainbridge College for details at (229) 248-2530.

An experienced teacher, Cofty has been a firefighter 11 years, a fire and life safety educator six years, and a fire service instructor four years.

He has taught fire prevention to students in Decatur County schools six years and has worked as a life safety clown at many festivals and public events.

Cofty has earned designation as an NPQ (National Proficiency Qualification) Firefighter I, emergency medical first responder, hazardous materials technician, and as a crash victim extrication technician and rescue specialist.