Members Complete State Training Courses

On February 12, 2009 Probationary FF Michael Zehl successfully completed the New York State Firefighter I course hosted by the Salem Fire Department and instructed by SFI Nash Alexander.  The Firefighter I course is a 90 hour initial entry program for firefighting personnel, Firefighter I introduces firefighting concepts, practices and techniques necessary for success within the fire service. Based on the Firefighter Level I objectives from NFPA Standard 1001, this course develops knowledge, skills and abilities based on performance criteria for the following topics: fire department organization, firefighter safety, fire behavior, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, building searches, forcible entry, ground ladders, ventilation, hose practices, fire streams, and loss control.

The course consists of performance criteria in: incident command, building construction, ropes/knots, rescue procedures, forcible entry applications, ventilation practices, fire extinguisher applications, suppression of structural fires, tactics, vehicle suppression, water supply, loss control, fire cause determination, fire department communications, fire suppression systems, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, confined space safety and fire prevention practices.  Probationary FF Branden Jarvis also attended the course and received a Scene Support Operations certificate.

On February 18, 2009 Lt. Rob Decker, Lt. Adam Myers and FF Shane Buhrmaster successfully completed the 27 hour New York State Introduction to Fire Officer course hosted by the Kingsbury Fire Department and instructed by SFI Pete Kitchner.  The IFO Course is the first in a new series addressing command and management in today's fire service. The goal is to give new and prospective officers the skills necessary to effectively manage and lead their companies and departments in the challenges of the rapidly changing fire service. Topics include assuming the role of company officer, introduction to leadership and management, fire service organization, legal issues facing the fire service, communications, health and safety, incident management, emergency response, on scene management and communications, and strategy/tactics for single company operations.