Program Overview

The Training program’s purpose is to plan, develop, and deliver training to safety personnel in support of the Fire District’s mission.  The District’s training curriculum is developed from established best practices and federal, state, and local regulatory authorities including NFPA, State Fire Training, OSHA, and the state and county EMS agencies.

Management Oversight

The Training program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Training Captain. This program has a total of 3 full-time equivalent personnel. This program contains the expenses pertaining to education reimbursement, fire academy costs, general supplies and equipment purchases, contract services, and overtime for personnel training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Ensure continuous training and evaluation for all suppression staff to maintain and enhance their skills.
• Anticipate future training requirements and create a schedule to ensure timely and relevant training opportunities.
• Track the progress of personnel, offering support and guidance as needed to ensure their professional growth.
• Design and implement internal training programs while collaborating with South Zone and County-wide training initiatives to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Continuously seek out and incorporate new training techniques, tools, and equipment to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of training programs.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Successfully logged more than 15,000 hours of documented training for District personnel.
• Promoted and trained nine new truck drivers, eight new engine operators, two new Acting Captains, and one new Acting Battalion Chief.
• Organized and hosted two State Fire Training Fire Control 3 courses, enhancing the training opportunities for local personnel.
• Seven firefighters successfully completed probation, while seven new entry-level firefighters began their probationary period.
• Completed a major cleanup and reconfiguration of the training site to improve functionality and safety.
• Provided assistance for two joint fire academies, strengthening regional collaboration and training efforts.
• Developed and produced over ten new video lesson plans to support ongoing training and development.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Continue the creation and release of video lesson plans to enhance training opportunities and improve knowledge retention.
• Ensure all training materials, including lesson plans, videos, and tool information, are accessible online via mobile devices for convenient access by District personnel.
• Progress with the design work for a new training facility to better support the District’s evolving training needs.
• Initiate quarterly Engineer training sessions to ensure all personnel are proficient in key engineering and apparatus operation skills.
• Create and implement specific performance standards tailored to truck companies, ensuring consistency and excellence in operations.
• Assist in the ongoing development and implementation of the new fire academy model, ensuring its success and alignment with District goals.
• Support the internal development and training of safety personnel to strengthen the District’s overall safety culture and readiness.
• Organize and execute the Captains test in February, providing growth opportunities and career advancement for eligible personnel.