Hamel Volunteer Fire Department
Training Program

  1. Introduction

    The Hamel Volunteer Fire Department recognizes that training is a key factor in conducting safe and effective fireground and emergency operations. This training consists of two critical components- initial training of new firefighters in fundamentals of firefighting and emergency operations and the on-going (continuous) reinforcement of those skills and introduction of new skills for experienced firefighters. For this reason the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department has established this training program.
  2. Policy

    It shall be the policy of the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department to establish the and maintain a training program to satisfy the following minimum requirements:
    1. Establishment of a Training Division to coordinate and facilitate Department training activities.
    2. Specification of minimum initial training requirements.
    3. Specification of minimum continuous education requirements.
    4. Annual review of program requirements with respect to changing Department needs.
  3. Program Implementation
    1. The Hamel Volunteer Fire Department shall establish a Training Division to coordinate and facilitate training activities.
    2. The Deputy Chief for Administration (DCofA) shall have overall responsibility for the Training Division and the Training Program.
    3. The Department will appoint a Training Officer (TO) to act as the division head for the Training Division. The TO shall report to the DCofA.
    4. The TO shall be responsible for administering the day to day activities of the Training Division. This includes the scheduling of training activities, arranging instructors, record keeping and ensuring firefighter compliance with training program requirements.
    5. The TO in conjunction with the other officers and the Department Chief shall be responsible for establishing the minimum training requirements.
  4. Minimum Training Requirements
    1. Initial Training

      Initial training shall be completed within the first two years of joining the Department; however, extensions may be applied for. Extensions must be approved by the Department Chief. Failure to complete the initial training requirements in the required time frame and/or to make satisfactory progress towards completion may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.

      All firefighters shall receive the following minimum training upon joining the Department:
      1. Firefighting Basic (NFPA 1403)
      2. Firefighter 1 & 2
      3. First Responder (EMS)
      4. Hazardous Materials- Awareness
      5. Hazardous Materials- Operational
      6. Respiratory Protection Program
      7. Blood Borne Pathogens Program
      8. Confined Space Awareness
      9. Incident Command
    2. Continuous Education

      All firefighters are required to attend continuous education/training sessions. Continuous education shall be conducted as follows:
      1. Training sessions shall be held every fourth and fifth Monday of each month. Sessions will normally begin at 19:00 hours and be approximately 3 hours in duration. Adjustments to this format will be made, however, to meet the specific scheduling requirements of any particular session.
      2. Additional training sessions shall be scheduled and conducted as required to meet Department training needs.
      3. All training shall be conducted at the following levels. Provisions shall be made to accommodate the needs of any firefighters not yet having attained these levels:
        1. Firefighter 2
        2. HazMat Operational
        3. EMS First Responder
      4. Training sessions shall be designated as mandatory or non-mandatory. In the case of mandatory training sessions, the TO shall make provisions for make-up sessions.
      5. Firefighters shall attend 100% of all mandatory training sessions and 75% of training sessions overall. Failure to meeting attendance requirements may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or termination.
      6. The following training sessions shall be conducted annually and be designated as mandatory. They may, however, be held in conjunction or as part of other training topics (i.e. blood borne pathogens training may be conducted as part of EMS first responder refresher):
        1. Respiratory Protection
        2. EMS First Responder
        3. Blood Borne Pathogens
  5. Conclusion

    Trained and educated firefighters are a key part of any well managed and professional fire department. It is the intent of this program to provide the opportunity for all Hamel Volunteer Fire Department firefighters to attain and maintain the skills and knowledge necessary to consider themselves true firefighting professionals.
Copyright © 1995-2005, H. Brandon Guest and Hamel Volunteer Fire Department
Rights to reproduce granted provided copyright information and this statement included in their entirety.