Training Division

 

 

The Training Division is responsible for the overall training of all personnel. Staffing includes 1 Division Chief, 2 Captains (Training/Safety Officers) and 1 Office Assistant. Company Officers (Captains or Lieutenants) from the field serve on cadres for various subjects.  Training is provided on topics ranging from Structural, wildland, and other types of firefighting, Emergency Medical Care, Driver/Operator and Officer Development. Special Operations training includes Hazardous Materials response, and Technical Rescue Operations.  The Bureau is also responsible for maintaining the department’s training records and certification tracking system, coordinating the HR functions for 360 Extra Help firefighters, coordinating the efforts of the Standards and Safety committees, and management of the Injury & Illness Prevention Program.

Core Services

  • Developing the skills necessary to command and control emergencies involving fire suppression, emergency medical services, and special operations incidents.
  • Developing managerial and leadership skills for all levels of fire department personnel through a professional development program.
  • Developing skills in fire department support functions to include fire prevention, public education, fire investigation, maintenance, supply, and administrative services.
  • Promote a safe and healthy workplace through the maintenance of an Injury & Illness Prevention Program in conjunction with Risk Management best practices.
  • Focus on recruitment & retention and involvement of extra help fire suppression personnel and community volunteers.
  • Promote Emergency management principles through preparedness and response activities in conjunction with allied agencies.

The Training and Safety Bureau supports 27 Fire Station based companies, including 108 Full Time and 360 Extra Help personnel with Basic, Competency, and Developmental Training and Resources.

Basic skills are taught in Firefighter Recruit Academies 4 times a year that encompass Basic Structure Operations, Wildland Fire Essentials, Hazmat First Responder Operations, Public Safety First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED, and Auto Extrication. Additional skills are obtained through attendance at Hazmat Decontamination and Technical Rescue classes. Other Basic Training includes Driver/Operator and Fire Officer Academies.

Competency training and testing are done through the use of Position Taskbooks. Standard Operating Guidelines identify the amount of training and the competency level for firefighters for advancement.

Developmental training opportunities are delivered or coordinated through the Training Bureau or are accessible through other avenues such as online courses, community colleges, regional & statewide training organizations. 

Facility Maintenance:  One Maintenance Worker III (MW III) staffs Facility Maintenance.  This individual is responsible for the maintenance and repair of 27 fire stations.  The Resource Management Agency also assists with maintenance projects as needed.  The MW III performs most of the repair work; however, some of the work is contracted out to private vendors. The fire stations range in age from 8 to 55+ years old.