Training Burn in Gates Park, June, 2007

The role and challenges of the firefighter is ever changing. It is the role of the Safety and Training Division to provide the most current and relevant training available to ensure that our firefighters are fully prepared to meet the fire department’s mission.

The Safety and Training Division’s focus is twofold. First, the Division strives to ensure the safety of department members during both routine and emergency operations. Second, the Division transitions recruits into entry-level firefighters while developing and coordinating an ongoing training program for current firefighters.

An officer from the Safety and Training Division is assigned to each operational shift with the expectation of filling the Incident Safety Officer role at all major emergencies. The Incident Safety Officer functions as a set of eyes and ears for the incident commander with a particular focus on the safety of emergency responders. 

Firefighter Window Bailout Training

All firefighter recruits go through an 11-week Recruit Academy. The academy includes a challenging academic program that covers fire/rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical operations, as well as an intense physical fitness training program. Each graduate is tested and nationally certified at the Fire Fighter 1, 2, and Hazardous Materials Operations levels. The Training Division produces an ongoing training program to ensure that all current firefighters comply with state and federal mandates regarding continuing education requirements and also supports the officer development program through coordination of instruction and testing. Safety and Training personnel also participate with our regional partners to plan, coordinate, and deliver regional inter-agency training.