Fire Recruit Academy
Our Fire Recruit Academy is a 24-week program that involves both EMS and Fire-Rescue
curriculums. Certifications received during this process include: CPR, EMT, Firefighter
1 and 2, EVOC, Hazardous Materials Operations, as well as NIMS IS100 and IS700.
During the Academy, recruits participate in daily physical training that prepares
them for a final physical ability evaluation administered at the end of the program.
In addition to the evaluation of the obvious knowledge, skills and abilities associated
with fire and EMS disciplines, recruits are also evaluated on teamwork, attitude,
and work ethic.
Daily Company Training
Daily Company Training is designed to continually increase the proficiency of
our uniformed staff in the daily tasks that we are assigned. Every day, with the
exception of Holidays and Sundays, the company officer is required to conduct a
daily training activity. The contents of which, are provided by the Fire Training
Academy. Each day of the cycle falls into a broad category of training topics as
follows: Tuesday:Truck Company Operations, Thursday:EMS, Saturday:Rapid Intervention
/ Firefighter Survival, Monday:Safety, Friday:Engine Company Operations. The format
of the training will be either discussion, hands on training, or district familiarization.
The daily drills are intended to last between thirty and sixty minutes.
Company Training at the Academy
Personnel of fire companies are scheduled for several days of training at the
academy each year. This training includes EMT recertifications, fire extinguishment,
rappelling, ground ladders, hose lays, SCBA, search and rescue, defensive driving,
hydraulics, hazardous materials, and various special programs such as Mayday and
High Rise Operations.
Training Manuals
The fire department maintains a library of various training manuals in all fire
stations. The academy keeps the libraries current and writes the necessary supplements
to manuals. An extensive library of fire service reference manuals and books is
maintained at the academy.
Video Library
The academy purchases and maintains a library consisting of DVD's and power point
presentations on topics related to the fire service for the purpose of enhancing
training programs. The necessary audio/video equipment is also purchased and maintained
by the academy.
Testing and Evaluation of New Equiptment
The department is very interested in new technology and welcomes the opportunity
to test and evaluate new equipment that may benefit our operations. The Chief relies
extensively upon the academy's opinions and findings of facts.
Outside Training
Within reason, when private industry and private organizations, within the City,
and other fire service groups make requests for assistance and use of the academy,
the department makes every attempt to respond to their needs. Regional cooperation
has become the standard.
Keeping Citizens Informed!