Fire Training and Education are changing in the Northland. Over the past couple of years, the training efforts of Advanced Minnesota in Virginia and Lake Superior College in Duluth have seen hundreds of firefighters trained and certified at basic, as well as advanced levels of firefighting. While the education is provided by training vendors, the efforts of those completing the courses also deserve recognition. Recognition of many of these efforts have been formally acknowledged through the certification process. Completion of the educational process with third party testing has insured that not only have instructors covered required materials, but students have demonstrated competency in the course objectives. With many of these courses based on industry standards, consistency becomes the norm. Often, many of these courses have seen mutual aid fire departments train together. This training has begun the process of building organizational, as well as personal relationships that translate into improved and safer working conditions when presented with multiple company/departmental operations. The entire Arrowhead Region should give itself a huge pat on the back! You’re developing the culture of a safer, more effective fire service.
The challenge for you now is to continue down that road of training and education. Does learning conclude after Firefighter I and II is complete? I believe your answer would be NO! What is next? What direction is your career going? Even though you serve in a paid on-call status, you certainly are developing a career in the fire service. Do you look forward at the Fire Equipment Operator skills, Fire Instructor/Officer aspirations? How about Public Fire and Life Safety education, rescue skills and training? Are fire prevention and inspection services needed in your community? These and many other topics of fire training present themselves. Where do you fit into the future of your organization? The collective efforts of individuals will help to develop organizational accomplishments.
Funding sources meant to supplement local fire department training budgets for those advanced levels of training have been enhanced with Minnesota Board of Fire Fighter Training and Education reimbursement dollars. FEMA, through grant funding also provides opportunities for training funding. Creative grant writing has also been successful in securing training dollars for mutual aid partners. The training and educational opportunities are out there. You have already demonstrated your dedication and passion for the fire service. Take the next step. Not only will your department benefit, but so will the citizens of the communities you so proudly serve. Good luck!
