The Training Department provides a multitude of training exercises that reinforce essential skills needed to be a safe and competent firefighter. As a new or transferring firefighter, you will have to complete our in-house training program. The program is a progressive learning format and is broken up into 8 blocks (sections):

• BLOCK 1 Intro to the Fire Department / Radio Room Operations
• BLOCK 2 Personal Protective Equipment / Basic Firefighting Skills
• BLOCK 3 Extrication / Non-Fire Rescue Operations
• BLOCK 4 Exterior Firefighting / Introduction to Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• BLOCK 5 Interior Firefighting / Ventilation
• BLOCK 6 Ladder Operations / Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST) Operations
• BLOCK 7 Apparatus Pumping
• BLOCK 8 Apparatus Operation

All Interior Firefighters MUST complete Blocks 1 through 6. Although we encourage all Firefighters to complete the remaining two blocks, they are not mandatory. Driving the apparatus is restricted by age, driving record and time in the department.

The Training Department conducts a drill every Monday night with the exception of the first Monday of the month, set aside for the company meeting. A training schedule is published every four months with specific topics, dates, and times of drills to be covered in that trimester. Each active member is required to attend refresher courses on Infectious Diseases, Haz Mat I, Haz Mat II as well as 8 hours of recorded OSHA training each year to be compliant. OSHA credits are awarded for focused various drills offered throughout the year as well as block training. The OSHA credits are broken up into eight different categories:

• OSHA unit 1 per NYAFC / General Hazards Recognition
• OSHA unit 2 per NYAFC / Fire Station Safety
• OSHA unit 3 per NYAFC / Response Safety
• OSHA unit 4 per NYAFC / Fire Scene Safety
• OSHA unit 5 per NYAFC / Protective Clothing
• OSHA unit 6 per NYAFC / Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
• OSHA unit 7 per NYAFC / Tools & Equipment Safety
• OSHA unit 8 per NYAFC / New Developments

In addition to the mandatory drills mentioned above, Firefighters must recertify each year in any specialized training in order to respond to emergencies. This training includes motor vehicle extrication, apparatus pumping & driving, ladder operations, FAST, CPR and interior firefighting. A Firefighter's level of training will determine what he or she needs to recertify in each year.

We take great pride in the training we provide to the members of our department. Providing the skills necessary to handle emergencies and stressing the importance of firefighter safety, help produce and maintain the level of professionalism and firefighting that we achieve today.