A couple of points from elsewhere: Training is a big part of the job. Currently our recruits attend 120-140 hours of training before they respond. This is by accredited (NFPA, State) trainers at the regional level. Usually we do 2 recruit academies per year. Alternate weekends and 1-2 evenings for 3 months. Doing it all at once, while great from a training point of view, would seem to limit attendance. The cost would be a challenge for some as well. Saying "the goverment" should pay is great, but remember you are the goverment. Oregon also requires 60 hours of accredited fire training per year to maintain certification. Asst Chief / Training Officer
Fire training mandate slammed
A couple of points from elsewhere: Training is a big part of the job. Currently our recruits attend 120-140 hours of training before they respond. This is by accredited (NFPA, State) trainers at the regional level. Usually we do 2 recruit academies per year. Alternate weekends and 1-2 evenings for 3 months. Doing it all at once, while great from a training point of view, would seem to limit attendance. The cost would be a challenge for some as well. Saying "the goverment" should pay is great, but remember you are the goverment. Oregon also requires 60 hours of accredited fire training per year to maintain certification. Asst Chief / Training Officer