08/13/2026
๐ Yes, Even Firefighters Have to Pass the Driving Test!
Driving the โBig Red Truckโ takes a lot more than having a regular driverโs license.
Our firefighters and apparatus operators complete a VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Competency Course designed to build and demonstrate the skills needed to safely operate large fire apparatus.
The course puts drivers through a series of controlled, low-speed maneuvers, including:
โข Straight-line driving
โข Alley docking and backing
โข Serpentine driving
โข Offset alley maneuvers
โข Diminishing-clearance exercises
โข Controlled stopping
โข Parallel parking
Fire engines are large, heavy vehicles with very different turning, braking, visibility, and handling characteristics than the vehicles we drive every day. During an emergency response, our drivers must safely manage all of that while also dealing with traffic, pedestrians, weather conditions, intersections, and the responsibility of getting their crew and equipment to the scene safely.
That is why driver training doesnโt stop once someone becomes qualified. Competency and proficiency have to be practiced and maintained.
Courses like this give our firefighters a controlled environment to sharpen those skills before they are needed on an actual emergency.
Getting there quickly is important.
Getting there safely is essential.
So the next time you see the Big Red Truck heading down the road, remember: there is a lot of training behind the wheel. ๐
Special Thanks to Celebration Cinema for allowing us the use of your parking lot.
