01/09/2026
As we roll into the new year, we felt it was a great opportunity to provide a recap of 2025, beginning with training updates. Our training calendar runs from February to February, allowing our training officers to better plan practice nights while accounting for potential weather challenges and accommodating the probationary training schedule for new firefighters.
The training calendar is divided into four quarters. Quarter One, running from February to May, focuses on basic NFPA 1001 Level I firefighting skills. These foundational skills include donning and doffing PPE, SCBA use and familiarization, tool familiarization and use, ropes and knots, ladder raises, fireground situational awareness, and firefighter safety.
Quarter Two, which runs from May to August, focuses on more advanced NFPA 1001 Level I training while introducing water flow operations. Training topics include hydrant catches and hookups, hose deployment and advancement, nozzle forward and hose stream techniques, sprinkler system training, structural fire searches, fireground survival, Class A fire extinguisher training, and live fire evolutions. Members who are qualified to drive apparatus also train on NFPA 1002 firefighter driver/operator skills, including pumping from a water source, drafting operations, pumping with multiple hose lines flowing, use of master stream devices, and flowing water through the aerial apparatus.
Quarter Three, running from September to November, focuses on radio communications, traffic safety, vehicle stabilization, patient extrication, and vehicle extrication operations. In November, we were fortunate to have the Rosetown EMS crews join us for a joint training night. During this session, we reviewed ambulance equipment familiarization, and EMS personnel participated in a vehicle extrication scenario where both teams worked together to safely remove a patient from a vehicle resting on its side.
Quarter Four, which runs from December to February, focuses on medical training and serves as an opportunity to revisit and refresh any skills that may have been missed throughout the year or that members feel require additional practice. During this quarter, all members receive First Aid and CPR certification, and First Responders complete their required recertification training. Crews also participate in multiple medical and emergency response scenarios to reinforce skills and teamwork.
Thank you to our training officers. FF Macknak, Cpt. Paproski, and DC Herbert for all the hard work they have done and continue to do, in order to provide our members with top-tier training!
