• Discover what it takes to be a first responder while learning life-saving skills

• Build relationships with local police officers, firefighters and paramedics

• Train with firetrucks, ambulances, drones, medical helicopters and other specialized tools

We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. The priority deadline is March 1.

Apply now

When disaster strikes and lives are at stake, first responders leap into action. In our Protective Services program, students develop the knowledge required to step up in an emergency as they explore firefighting, health care and law enforcement careers. Among other skills, students learn to:

• Perform CPR, use an AED and provide other basic life support
• Operate the specialized equipment EMTs, firefighters and police use daily
• Communicate effectively and with confidence in high-pressure situations

Thanks to LCTI’s strong community partnerships, students build relationships with police officers, firefighters and paramedics. They also have opportunities to shadow first responders on the job and join in field trips to police or fire stations.

Students team up for hands-on activities in classrooms outfitted with firefighting, ambulance, driving and use-of-force police simulators. On-campus training sessions include working with firetrucks, ambulances, drones, medical helicopters and more. Studying fire dynamics, human anatomy, forensics and the criminal justice system is part of the program, as well.

Industry Credentials

Protective Services students can earn the following certifications and credentials in high school:

• Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider via American Heart Association
• Firefighter I via Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
• Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness via Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
• NIMS IS 100, 200, 700 and 800 series via Emergency Management Institute
• OSHA Certification via CareerSafe®
• Pennsylvania Skills Certificate via NOCTI®
• Stop the Bleed via Stop the Bleed Coalition

College Credits

A statewide articulation agreement known as SOAR allows students to earn college credit for their work in the program. Additionally, the following schools have articulation agreements with LCTI that apply to Protective Services:

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

Career Pathways

with credentials:

• 911 dispatcher
• Emergency medical technician
• Firefighter

with associate degree:

• Paramedic
• Police officer

with bachelor’s degree:

• Emergency management director
• Emergency room nurse