Training for Colstrip Firefighters
It is in the best interests of the Colstrip Volunteer fire Department that all personnel be trained to a level which will enable them to perform their firefighting duties in a safe and efficient manner. To this end the following training requirements shall be in effect.A. Training Responsibility:
1. The Colstrip Fire Department has the duty and responsibility to see that each firefighter receives initial and continuing training that will enable them to safely perform all tasks and functions associated with firefighting. The fire department shall provide such training personnel, funds and opportunities as are necessary to accomplish this.
2. The Colstrip Fire Department Chief in his role as Chief Fire Officer, shall carry out/or formulate a training program that fulfills training requirement for the Board and other City, State, and Federal agencies. He shall report to the board and city council as required to accomplish this task.
3. The Chief or the Fire Board may appoint a training officer subject to board approval, to aid in formulation and implementation of training for district personnel.
4. Each person who serves as a firefighter for the City of Colstrip will fulfill all training requirements as set forth.
B. Training
There will be three stages to firefighting training:
1. Probationary (Level One)
A. A firefighter applicant will be on probationary status until he completes the following classroom and field training:
1. Hose Operations----2 hours
2. Basic Air Pack---2 hours
3. All vehicle driving---2 hours
4. Basic Fire ground operations---2 hours
5. Extrication equipment overview---2 hours
6. Department operations and protocol---2 hours
7. Personal protective clothing---1 hour
B. While on probationary status, the firefighter can attend fire calls and all other department meetings and training functions. At no time shall the probationary firefighter be placed, or allowed, in a position or area that presents risk to them or others.
C. Probationary status requirements shall be completed within 1 year after acceptance.
D. The Chief shall notify the Fire Board at a regular Board meeting, that the individual has satisfactorily completed all requirements of the probationary stage and make recommendation that the individual be allowed to transition to rookie status.
E. Upon Fire Board approval, the individual transitions to Rookie status.
F. All probationary firefighters training shall be done by the Chief or his designee and shall be documented as to date, times, person conducting training and type.
G. All firefighters shall have visible markings that designate their level of training.
2. Rookie (Level Two)
A. Rookie status is intended to allow an individual to gradually transition from limited protected fire ground operations to that of a well-trained safe firefighter able to handle those situations normally expected of such personnel.
B. A person shall remain on rookie status for no less than one year and no more than two years unless approved for advancement by the Chief. Rookies shall have periodic evaluations with the Chief regarding developmental progress.
C. Rookie training shall consist of :
1. Incident command system
2. SCBA qualification
3. Radio usage
4. Hose and nozzle operation
5. Cascade system operations
6. Vehicle operations and driving
7. Extrication equipment usage and familiarization
8. Misc. equipment operation (generators, pumps, etc)
9. Fire ground operations
10. Hazmat
11. Fire behavior
12. Ventilation
13. Salvage and overhaul
14. Other training as deemed desirable by the Chief or the Fire Board.
E. No specific hours are set for individual categories. However, the goal of such training shall be to produce a competent and safe firefighter. By the end of level two training, it is expected that the individual will be able to perform those skills and demonstrate the knowledge and decision making ability typically expected of level three personnel. Assessment of this competency level will be at the direction of the chief.
F. At the end of level two, the Chief will recommend advancement of the rookie to the board and be prepared to present documentation in support of such recommendation. A majority vote of the board is necessary to complete the process.
G. The individual may repeat the rookie process only once. Failure to achieve level three status by the end of the second cycle will result in termination from the department.
3. Firefighter (level three)
A. All firefighters are required to obtain a minimum of thirty (30) hours each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). At least fifteen (15) must be at regular departmental training sessions. Exceptions may be granted by the board when the firefighter is unable to meet training requirements. Each request for an exception shall be on a case by case basis. Failure to be granted an exception will result in termination from the department.
B. No more than fifteen (15) hours will be allowed in any one category in fulfilling the required thirty (30) hours.
General Training Considerations
1. All training hours must be presented by the Chief to the Fire Board at a regular monthly meeting. The Fire Board must approve them before they are credited to the firefighter’s training record.
2. Training may be on any topic, or area, covered within the essentials firefighting manual. All training will be done in the presence of an officer. Training hours from any other areas must be approved prior to obtaining them by the Chief and the Fire Board.
3. A permanent training record for each member shall be maintained by the Fire Board Secretary. A copy of this record shall be available to the firefighter upon his/her request. Copies of the record furnished to others must have the written permission of the fireman before being released.
4. At the July meeting the annual training of each firefighter shall be reviewed by the board.
5. Firefighters shall receive a notice in January regarding their training hours. In July the firefighters will receive their final documentation regarding their training hours. If a firefighter has a dispute with the calculations they must report to the Fire Board at their regular August meeting.