Menlo Park Fire Protection District

 

Training Center

 

Program Overview

The purpose of the Training Center (TC) program is to provide a wide range of specialized training, including South Zone training, US&R, Live Fire, Confined Space, Rescue Systems 1, 2, and 3, SWAT, and Canine Training. The Regional Training Center serves as the primary facility for live fire simulation and other rescue-related training. Canine handler training is conducted in accordance with FEMA guidelines and requirements, including foundational skills assessments (FSA) for search dogs.

Management Oversight

The TC program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases, maintenance and repair services, fixed asset props for training, and overtime for training and program administration.

Program Objectives

  • Assess and develop strategic plans for the layout and configuration of District training sites to ensure they are optimized for current and future training needs.

  • Provide ongoing maintenance and repairs for District training buildings, grounds, storage containers, tools, and equipment to ensure they remain operational and safe for use by personnel.

  • Conduct regular safety inspections of heavy equipment, including cranes, tractors, water tenders, and forklifts, to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent equipment malfunctions or accidents.

  • Continuously maintain and upgrade training facilities to meet the requirements established by the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) and FEMA. This ensures the facilities remain eligible for hosting certified training courses for District personnel and outside agencies.

FY 2024-25 Accomplishments

  • Completed ATM box maintenance and repairs, including replacing the fire box window, welding the student window, sealing ceiling and floor vents, installing new “C” channels in the burn box, and fixing the rear cleanout doors.
  • Upgraded storage with a new 50' Conex container, replacing the old 20' one, adding roll-up doors, building a wall for separation, and outfitting it with shelving, tables, and chairs for equipment and firefighter rehab/IC.
  • Purchased new equipment, including an electric chainsaw, two forcible entry doors, and two VEIS windows, along with plastic containers for organizing firefighting gear in the 50' container.

FY 2025-26 Program Initiatives

  • Continuously evaluate fire simulators to identify and address maintenance and repair needs.

  • Coordinate and organize South Zone live fire training sessions to ensure consistent hands-on experience.

  • Plan and host a Certified Fire Control 3 course to train and certify future instructors.

  • Initiate planning for the relocation of all fire simulators to the east side of the rescue training site.

  • Provide a Fire Control 3 course for the County Fire Academy to support regional training efforts.

Program Expenditure Summary

Expenditure Analysis

Materials and supplies: This request includes funding for general supplies, tools and equipment, conference and training registration, and travel. The decrease of $12,500 is due to a reduced need for new equipment at the training site.